Detailed Density Test of Cutback Bitumen (ASTM D70 / AASHTO T228)

Density is a critical property of cutback bitumen (a mixture of bitumen and a solvent like
kerosene, diesel, or naphtha) as it affects the material's handling, application, and performance in
road construction. The density test helps determine the mass per unit volume, which is essential
for volumetric measurements in mix design and quality control.

1. Objective
To determine the density (or specific gravity) of cutback bitumen at a specified temperature
(usually 25°C or 60°C) using a pycnometer (density bottle) as per ASTM D70 or AASHTO
T228.

2. Apparatus Required
 Pycnometer (calibrated glass or metal density bottle with a capillary vent)
 Thermostatically controlled water bath (maintained at test temperature ±0.1°C)
 Balance (accurate to 0.001 g)
 Thermometer (calibrated, range 0–50°C or 0–100°C, accuracy ±0.1°C)
 Vacuum pump or degassing apparatus (to remove air bubbles if necessary)
 Drying oven (for cleaning and drying the pycnometer)

3. Test Procedure
Step 1: Calibration of Pycnometer
1. Clean and dry the pycnometer thoroughly.
2. Weigh the empty pycnometer (W₁).
3. Fill the pycnometer with distilled water at the test temperature (e.g., 25°C).
4. Insert the stopper, ensuring no air bubbles are trapped.
5. Wipe off excess water and weigh the pycnometer + water (W₂).
6. Calculate the water volume (V) using:
V=W2−W1ρwaterV=ρwaterW2−W1

where ρwaterρwater = density of water at test temperature (e.g., 0.99704 g/cm³ at 25°C).

Step 2: Testing Cutback Bitumen

1. Heat the cutback bitumen (if necessary) to make it fluid enough for pouring.
2. Fill the pycnometer about halfway with the cutback bitumen.
3. Place it in a vacuum desiccator (if needed) to remove air bubbles.
4. Fill the pycnometer completely, ensuring no air pockets remain.
5. Insert the stopper and wipe off excess material.
6. Weigh the pycnometer + cutback bitumen (W₃).

Step 3: Calculation of Density

Density of Cutback Bitumen(ρ)=W3−W1VDensity of Cutback Bitumen(ρ)=V

W3−W1

where:

 W1W1 = Weight of empty pycnometer (g)

 W3W3 = Weight of pycnometer + cutback bitumen (g)
 VV = Volume of pycnometer (cm³, from calibration)

Alternatively, specific gravity (SG) can be calculated as:

SG=W3−W1W2−W1SG=W2−W1W3−W1
 4. Reporting Results
 Report density in g/cm³ or kg/m³ at the test temperature.
 If required, correct density to a standard temperature (e.g., 15°C) using temperature correction
factors.

5. Safety & Precautions

 Wear gloves, goggles, and protective clothing (cutback bitumen is flammable and hazardous).
 Perform tests in a well-ventilated area (solvents may emit fumes).
 Ensure the pycnometer is clean and dry before each test.
 Maintain constant temperature in the water bath (±0.1°C).

6. Applications of Density Data

 Mix design calculations (for asphalt mixtures).
 Quality control (checking consistency of cutback bitumen batches).
 Volume-to-mass conversions (for application rates in road construction).

Conclusion
 The density test of cutback bitumen is a fundamental quality control measure that ensures
proper material consistency and performance in road paving applications. Following ASTM D70
/ AASHTO T228 ensures accurate and repeatable results.

Would you like additional details on temperature corrections or alternative test methods?

correct density to be used for calculation of spray rate of cutback bitumen is the lab testing
temperature or spraying temperature?

The correct density to use for calculating the spray rate of cutback
bitumen should be the density at the spraying temperature, not the lab
testing temperature. Here's why:

1. Why Spraying Temperature Density Matters

 Cutback bitumen is temperature-sensitive—its viscosity and density

change with temperature.
 Spraying is done at elevated temperatures (typically 50–80°C, depending
on the type of cutback).
 Using lab density (measured at 25°C or 60°C) without correction would lead
to inaccurate spray rates because:

o The material expands when heated, reducing its density.

o If uncorrected, you may under-spray (since the actual volume per kg is
higher when hot).

2. How to Adjust Density for Spraying Temperature

If lab density is measured at 25°C (or 60°C), but spraying occurs at a higher
temperature (e.g., 70°C), you must:

Method 1: Use ASTM/AASHTO Temperature Correction

 ASTM D70 / AASHTO T228 provides density-temperature correction

factors for bituminous materials.
 The general formula for thermal expansion adjustment is:
ρspray=ρlab−α(Tspray−Tlab)ρspray=ρlab−α(Tspray−Tlab)

where:
o ρsprayρspray = Density at spraying temp (g/cm³)
o ρlabρlab = Lab-measured density (g/cm³)
o αα = Thermal expansion coefficient (~0.00065 per °C for bitumen)
o TsprayTspray = Spraying temperature (°C)
o TlabTlab = Lab test temperature (°C)

Method 2: Direct Measurement at Spraying Temp (Preferred)

 If possible, measure density at the actual spraying temperature using

a heated pycnometer.
 This avoids approximation errors from thermal expansion formulas.

3. Practical Example

 Lab density at 25°C = 1.02 g/cm³

 Spraying temperature = 70°C
 Thermal expansion correction:
ρ70°C=1.02−0.00065×(70−25)=1.02−0.02925=0.99075 g/cm³ρ70°C
=1.02−0.00065×(70−25)=1.02−0.02925=0.99075g/cm³

 Spray rate calculation must use 0.991 g/cm³, not 1.02 g/cm³.

4. Impact on Spray Rate Calculation

Spray rate (L/m²) is calculated as:

Spray Rate=Required Mass (kg/m²)ρspray (kg/L)Spray Rate

=ρspray(kg/L)Required Mass (kg/m²)
 Using uncorrected lab density → under-spraying (since ρlab>ρsprayρlab
>ρspray).
 Using corrected spraying density → accurate application.

5. Conclusion

✅ Use density at spraying temperature for spray rate calculations.

✅ If lab density is measured at a different temperature, apply thermal
expansion correction.
✅ For best accuracy, measure density at the actual spraying
temperature.

Additional Details on Temperature Corrections & Alternative

Test Methods for Cutback Bitumen Density

To ensure accurate spray rate calculations, proper temperature

corrections must be applied to the lab-measured density. Additionally,
alternative test methods may be used depending on equipment availability
and standards compliance.

1. Detailed Temperature Corrections for

Cutback Bitumen Density
A. Thermal Expansion Coefficient (α) for Bitumen

 The density of bituminous materials decreases with temperature due to

thermal expansion.
 The approximate expansion coefficient (α) for cutback bitumen is:
α≈0.00065 per °C(range: 0.0006−0.0007)α≈0.00065per °C(range: 0.0006−0.00
07)

o Example: If density at 25°C = 1.02 g/cm³, then at 70°C:

 ρ70°C=1.02−0.00065×(70−25)=0.99075 g/cm³ρ70°C
=1.02−0.00065×(70−25)=0.99075g/cm³

B. ASTM D4311 (Density Correction Table for Bituminous

Materials)

 Provides pre-calculated correction factors based on temperature

differences.
 Example table snippet (for bitumen with α ≈ 0.00065):

Density Correction (g/cm³ per

Temp (°C)
°C)

20 → 60 -0.026 (decrease)

25 → 70 -0.029

15 → 80 -0.042

 Usage: If lab density = 1.03 g/cm³ at 25°C, then at 70°C:

ρ70°C=1.03−0.029=1.001 g/cm³ρ70°C=1.03−0.029=1.001g/cm³

C. AASHTO T228 (Density Correction Formula)

 Uses a modified form of thermal expansion adjustment:

ρT2=ρT11+α(T2−T1)ρT2=1+α(T2−T1)ρT1

o Example: If ρ25°C=1.02 g/cm³ρ25°C=1.02g/cm³, find ρ70°Cρ70°C:

ρ70°C=1.021+0.00065×(70−25)=1.021.02925=0.991 g/cm³ρ70°C
=1+0.00065×(70−25)1.02=1.029251.02=0.991g/cm³

2. Alternative Test Methods for Density

Measurement
 A. Digital Density Meter (ASTM D4052 / ISO 12185)

 Principle: Measures oscillation frequency of a U-tube filled with the sample.

 Advantages:

o Fast (~5 minutes per test).

o High accuracy (±0.001 g/cm³).
o Can test at elevated temperatures (up to 100°C).
 Disadvantages:

o Expensive equipment.
o Requires calibration with reference fluids.

B. Hydrometer Method (For Low-Viscosity Cutbacks, e.g., SC

Grade)

 Principle: A calibrated hydrometer floats in the cutback, and density is read

directly.
 Standards: ASTM D3142 (for liquid bituminous materials).
 Limitations:

o Only works for low-viscosity cutbacks (e.g., SC-70, MC-30).

o Less precise than pycnometer method (±0.005 g/cm³).

C. Nuclear Density Gauge (Field Testing, ASTM D2950)

 Principle: Gamma radiation attenuation measures in-place density.

 Usage: Mostly for emulsions & compacted asphalt, but can be adapted
for cutbacks.
 Limitations:

o Requires safety precautions (radioactive source).

o Not as precise as lab methods.
 3. Practical Recommendations
1. For Lab Testing:

o Use pycnometer (ASTM D70) for highest accuracy.

o If available, digital density meter is faster and allows high-temperature
testing.
2. For Field Adjustments:

o If spraying at 70°C, measure density at 60°C (closer to application temp)

and apply minor correction.
o Avoid using 25°C density without correction—this leads to under-spraying
errors.
3. For Quality Control:

o Maintain a density vs. temperature chart for your cutback bitumen

grade.
o Recheck density if solvent content changes (evaporation affects density).

4. Example Calculation for Spray Rate

Adjustment
Given:

 Required application rate = 1.2 kg/m²

 Lab density at 25°C = 1.02 g/cm³
 Spraying temperature = 70°C

Step 1: Correct Density to 70°C

ρ70°C=1.02−0.00065×(70−25)=0.991 g/cm³=991 kg/m³ρ70°C

=1.02−0.00065×(70−25)=0.991g/cm³=991kg/m³

Step 2: Convert Mass to Volume

 Spray Rate (L/m²)=1.2 kg/m²0.991 kg/L=1.21 L/m²Spray Rate (L/m²)=0.991kg/
L1.2kg/m²=1.21L/m²

If Uncorrected (Using 1.02 g/cm³):

Spray Rate=1.21.02=1.176 L/m²(Under-spray by 2.8%)Spray Rate=1.021.2

=1.176L/m²(Under-spray by 2.8%)

5. Conclusion
 Always use spraying temperature density for accurate spray rate
calculations.
 ASTM D70 (pycnometer) is the standard, but digital meters or
hydrometers can be alternatives.
 Temperature corrections are mandatory if lab tests are done at a
different temperature.

Detailed Density Test of Tack Coat

Bitumen
1. Introduction
Tack coat bitumen is a thin layer of asphalt emulsion or cutback asphalt
applied between pavement layers to ensure proper bonding. Density testing
is crucial to evaluate the quality and uniformity of the tack coat application,
which affects pavement performance.
 2. Purpose of the Test
 To determine the density (mass per unit volume) of tack coat bitumen.
 To ensure proper application rate (typically 0.05–0.40 gal/yd² or 0.20–1.60
L/m²).
 To verify consistency in tack coat application for optimal adhesion.

3. Equipment Required
 Electronic balance (accurate to 0.01 g)
 Density cup (pycnometer) (calibrated volume, typically 50–100 mL)
 Thermometer (0–100°C, ±0.1°C accuracy)
 Water bath (for temperature control)
 Oven (for drying samples if needed)
 Glass rod or stirrer
 Cleaning solvents (toluene, xylene, or kerosene)

4. Test Procedure
4.1 Preparation

1. Clean the density cup thoroughly and dry it.

2. Weigh the empty density cup (W₁) to the nearest 0.01 g.
3. Condition the tack coat sample to the test temperature (typically 25°C ±
0.5°C).

4.2 Filling the Density Cup

1. Fill the density cup slowly with tack coat bitumen, avoiding air bubbles.
2. Cover the cup and wipe off excess material.
3. Weigh the filled cup (W₂).

4.3 Measuring Volume (Water Displacement Method)

1. Fill the density cup with distilled water at the same temperature.
2. Weigh the water-filled cup (W₃).
3. Calculate the volume (V) of the cup using water density (ρ_water ≈ 1
g/cm³ at 25°C):
V=(W3−W1)ρwaterV=ρwater(W3−W1)

4.4 Density Calculation

The density (ρ) of tack coat bitumen is calculated as:

ρ=(W2−W1)Vρ=V(W2−W1)

where:

 W1W1 = Mass of empty cup (g)

 W2W2 = Mass of cup + bitumen (g)
 VV = Volume of cup (cm³)

5. Expected Results
 Typical density range for tack coat emulsions: 1.00–1.05
g/cm³ (varies with type and residual asphalt content).
 Cutback asphalts may have slightly lower densities (~0.95–1.02 g/cm³).
 6. Factors Affecting Density
 Temperature (higher temperature reduces density).
 Residual asphalt content (higher asphalt increases density).
 Presence of water or solvents (evaporation affects measurement).

7. Standards & References

 ASTM D70 – Standard Test Method for Density of Semi-Solid Bituminous
Materials.
 AASHTO T 228 – Specific Gravity of Semi-Solid Asphalt Materials.
 ASTM D6997 – Standard Practice for Distillation of Emulsified Asphalt.

8. Conclusion
The density test ensures proper tack coat application, which is critical for
interlayer bonding in pavements. Consistent density measurements help
maintain quality control in road construction.