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Lab Task # 02 Softening Point of Bitumen: Scope

This document describes a test method to determine the softening point of bitumen using a ring-and-ball apparatus. The test involves heating bitumen samples in rings submerged in a heated water bath and recording the temperature at which a steel ball placed on the sample passes through the ring. The softening point is the average temperature at which this occurs for two samples and indicates the temperature at which the bitumen reaches a particular consistency. The document outlines the required apparatus, procedures, calculations, and provides space for recording results and discussion.

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Asif Khan
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144 views

Lab Task # 02 Softening Point of Bitumen: Scope

This document describes a test method to determine the softening point of bitumen using a ring-and-ball apparatus. The test involves heating bitumen samples in rings submerged in a heated water bath and recording the temperature at which a steel ball placed on the sample passes through the ring. The softening point is the average temperature at which this occurs for two samples and indicates the temperature at which the bitumen reaches a particular consistency. The document outlines the required apparatus, procedures, calculations, and provides space for recording results and discussion.

Uploaded by

Asif Khan
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Lab Task # 02

Softening Point of Bitumen


(AASHTO T 53-89 & ASTM D 36 95, Reproved 2000)
Scope
This test method covers the determination of the softening point of bitumen in the range
from 30 to 157oC (86 to 315oF) using the ring-and-ball apparatus immersed in distilled
water (30 to 80oC), USP glycerin (above 80 to 157 oC), or ethylene glycol (30 to 110 oC).
Softening point is actually a consistency test and consists of heating of bituminous
material until they reach at the given consistency. The softening point is the temperature
at which the substance attains particular degree of softening under specified conditions of
test.

Apparatus
Rings. Two square-shouldered brass rings
conforming to the dimensions shown in the figure
Pouring Plate. A flat, smooth, brass plate
approximately 50 by 75mm (2 by 3in).
Balls. Two steel balls, 9.5mm (3/8in) in diameter,
each having a mass of 3.50 + 0.05g.
Ball-Centering Guides. Two brass guides for
centering the steel balls, one for each ring,
conforming to the general shape and dimensions shown in Figure.
Bath. A glass vessel, capable of being heated, not less than 85 mm in inside
diameter and not less than 120 mm in depth from the bottom of the flare.
Ring Holder and Assembly . A brass holder designed to support the two rings in
a horizontal position, conforming to the shape and dimensions shown in Figure,
supported in the assembly illustrated in Figure. The bottom of the shouldered
rings in the ring holder shall be 25mm (1in) above the upper surface of the
bottom plate, and the lower surface of the bottom plate shall be 16 3mm (5/8
1/8in) from the bottom of the bath.
Thermometers: An ASTM Low Softening Point Thermometer, having a
range from -2 to + 80C or 30 to 180F, and conforming to the
requirements for Thermometer 15C or 15F as prescribed in Specification.
Procedure
I. Heat the bitumen until it comes to liquid form.
II. Fill the rings with bitumen and bring it at room temperature.
III. Assemble the apparatus with ring thermometer and balls guide in a position and
fill the bath to a depth of 4 to 4.25in.
IV. Maintain the bath at a temperature of 41C for 15 minutes.
V. Place the balls on the surface of the specimen
VI. Start the bath heater at a rate of 5C/ min and keep stirring as necessary.
VII. Record the temperature when the balls pass in the rings and touch the bottom; this
is the softening point in centigrade.
VIII. The softening point to be reported as the mean of the temperatures at which the
two discs soften enough to allow each ball, enveloped in bitumen, to fall a
distance of 25mm.
Calculation and Observation
Bitumen Grade =
Period of air cooling =1 hour
Rate of heating sample #1 Rate of heating for sample #2
Time (Minute) Temperature C Time (Minute) Temperature C

Rate of Heating
80

70

60

Temprature 50

40

30

20
0 5 10 15 20 25 30

Time

Average softening point =


Detailed Discussion on Results: -

Lab Assessment Performa


Lab Task # 02
Title Softening Point of Bitumen
Performance Presentation Viva Total
Total score 5 1 4 10
Obtained Score
Assessed by Dated

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