What is softening point test of bitumen?

What is softening point test of bitumen?

The softening point shows the temperature at which the bitumen gains a certain degree of softening under the specifications of the test. This test is carried out by using the Ring and Ball apparatus.

What is the procedure of softening point of bitumen?

Bitumens are viscoelastic materials without sharply defined melting points; they gradually become softer and less viscous as the temperature rises. The softening point of bitumen can be determined through the use of a ring-and-ball apparatus immersed in distilled water (30 to 80°C) or USP glycerin (above 80 to 157°C).

What do you mean by softening point?

Definition of softening point : the temperature or range of temperatures at which a substance softens.

What are the factors that influence the result of the softening point test?

Following are the main factors that affect the softening point of bitumen; i)- Rate of heating….PROCEDURE:

• Freshly boiled distilled water for softening points between 30 and 80°C; use Thermometer 15C or 15F.
• USP glycerin for softening points above 80°C and up to 157°C; use Thermometer 16C or 16F.

How is softening point measured?

The softening point is obtained as the temperature at which the mercury drop breaks through the softening resin and falls. Mettler softening point method — ASTM D 3461-76. This is the most recent method. This automatic method measures the temperature at which the resin flows out of a sample cup under its own weight.

What are the application of the softening point test?

The test results are used to determine the consistency of bitumen and bituminous binders at elevated service temperatures under defined conditions of heating. The test is usually applied to bituminous binders with softening points ring and ball between 28 °C and 150 °C.

Why do we test softening point?

Softening point test of bitumen is done to determine the consistency of bitumen. This test gives an idea of the temperature at which the bitumen attain certain viscosity.

What does high softening point mean?

The softening point of a bituminous material can be defined as the temperature at which this bituminous material further softens after its arbitrary softness point is reached. There are various methods that are helpful in determining the softening point of a bituminous material.

Why do we test ductility on bitumen?

The ductility test gives a measure of adhesive property of bitumen and its ability to stretch. Binder material having insufficient ductility gets cracked when subjected to repeated traffic loads and it provides pervious pavement surface.

What is the melting point of bitumen?

Bitumen has a melting point of around 240 degrees Fahrenheit which is high enough to be safely used for roadway designs and low enough to be heated up without using a large amount of energy.

Why viscosity test of bitumen is done?

Viscosity test of the bitumen sample is one of the important tests on bitumen to be conducted before road construction. Viscosity measures the degree of fluidity of the bitumen sample. It ensures the quality of the bitumen used as a binder by giving a measure of fluidity at a particular temperature.