Penetration test for bitumen

Introduction

Penetration test is the measures consistency expressed as the distance that a needle vertically penetrates a sample under known conditions of loading, time, and temperature. In the penetrometer (figure 1) the 150 mm diameter dial is graduated in 400 divisions of 0.1 mm. The indicating pointer is fitted with a frictiongeared knob, which can be rotated freely to any position on the dial. Resetting the needle can be carried out quickly and positively ready for the next measurement.

Figure 1; Penetrometer

Methodology

Steps;

1. A sample of bitumen is heated to a temperature of 100 to 150 deg C for not more than one hour and poured in to a penetrometer cup.

2. The sample is left in room temperature till it cools and solidifies (Figure 2).

3. The sample is placed in water bath at temperature of 25 deg C for 45 min since the this experiment requires the sample to be cool inside and out.

4. Transport the sample in a water transport can.

5. The needle is kept close enough to the sample just where it touches the sample( Figure 3).

6. The needle must not be close to the mouth of penetro meter less than 10mm and the test can be done with one sample three days.

If the measurements show its 80 to 100, that means is ok. Take average of three reading and than conclude.

Figure 2; Bitumen sample solidified after heating

Figure 3; Sample kept in penetro meter

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