Test 1.

Penetration Test on Bitumen

The penetration test is one of the oldest and most commonly used tests on asphalt cements
or residues from distillation of asphalt cutbacks or emulsions. The standardized procedure
for this test can be found in ASTM D5 [ASTM, 2001]. It is an empirical test that measures the
consistency (hardness) of an asphalt at a specified test condition.

Procedure of Penetration Test on Bitumen:

In the standard test condition, a standard needle of a total load of 100 g is applied to the
surface of an asphalt or Liquid bitumen sample at a temperature of 25 C for 5 seconds. The
amount of penetration of the needle at the end of 5 seconds is measured in units of 0.1 mm
(or penetration unit). A softer asphalt will have a higher penetration, while a harder
asphalt will have a lower penetration. Other test conditions that have been used include
1. 0 C, 200 g, 60 sec., and
2. 46 C, 50 g, 5 sec.

The penetration test can be used to designate grades of asphalt cement, and to measure
changes in hardness due to age hardening or changes in tempera

(AASHTO DESIGNATION: T-49)

In this test we examine the consistency of a sample of bitumen by determining the
distance in tenths of a millimetre that a standard needle vertically penetrates the
bitumen specimen under known conditions of loading, time and temperature.
This is the most widely used method of measuring the consistency of a bituminous
material at a given temperature. It is a means of classification rather than a
measure of quality.

APPARATUS:

Penetration Apparatus
Needle
Container
Water Bath
Thermometer for Water Bath

Stop watch

Principle:

It measures the hardness or softness of bitumen by measuring the depth in tenths

of a millimeter to which a standard loaded needle will penetrate vertically in 5
seconds.

PROCEDURE:

Heat the sample

until it becomes
fluid.
Pour it in a
container to a
depth such that
when cooled, the depth of sample is at least 10mm greater than the
expected penetration.
Allow it to cool in an atmospheric temperature.
Clean the needle and place a weight above the needle.
Use the water bath to maintain the temperature of specimen.
Mount the needle on bitumen, such that it should just touch the surface of
bitumen.
Then start the stop watch and allow the penetration needle to penetrate
freely at same time for 5 seconds. After 5 seconds stop the penetration.
Result will be the grade of bitumen.
Take at least three reading.

USES AND SIGNIFICANCE:

Penetration test is used to measure the consistency of bitumen, so that they can be
classified into standard grades. Greater value of penetration indicates softer
consistency. Generally higher penetration bitumen is preferred for use in cold
climate and smaller penetration bitumen is used in hot climate areas.

It measures the hardness or softness of bitumen by measuring the depth in

tenths of a millimeter to which a standard loaded needle will penetrate
vertically in 5 seconds
The penetrometer consists of a needle assembly with a total weight of 100g
and a device for releasing and locking in any position
The bitumen is softened to a pouring consistency, stirred thoroughly and
poured into containers at a depth at least 15 mm in excess of the expected
penetration.
The test should be conducted at a specified temperature of 25 C
It may be noted that penetration value is largely influenced by any
inaccuracy with regards to size of the needle, weight placed on the needle
and the test temperature
A grade of 40/50 bitumen means the penetration value is in the range 40 to

50 at standard test conditions

In hot climates, a lower penetration grade is preferred.