Tom Fraser Highways Engineering A Lab Reports

Determination of needle
penetration of bituminous
material.
Highways Engineering A
Tom Fraser 33407727

ABSTRACT
This experiment examined the effect of the penetration of
a needle in oxidised bitumen. It is a measure of the
consistency. (BRITISH STANDARDS INSTITUTION, 2000) A
sample was tested in three times and an average was
taken. The main conclusion from this experiment is that
the lower value of penetration, the harder the bitumen, as
the higher the value of penetration, the softer the
bitumen. (The Shell Bitumen Handbook, 1993) (Whiteoak;
Read; Hunter, 2003)

Tom Fraser Highways Engineering Lab Report

October 2015,
Group C
Killian Kgong

Tom Fraser Highways Engineering Lab Report

Introduction
The purpose of this experiment is to measure the penetration depth
of a needle in a sample of bitumen. The penetration of the needle is
shown as the distance travelled into the sample of bitumen, which is
measured in tenths of a millimetre. Selecting the proper bitumen
penetration rate is importing regarding the life of the surfacing and
performance. The warmer the location and the heavier the traffic
load on the surface will indicate that bitumen with less penetration
rate is to be used. It is important that each step is followed precisely
so that any anomalies are ruled out. The slightest variation in
procedure can cause large differences in results, which will be
written off as inaccurate. Before the test begins, all equipment
needs to be checked for any substances or damages left from
previous tests.
Apparatus:
Stand with penetration needle and weight (100g)
Countdown Timer
Prepared bitumen samples
Water bath
Transfer dish
Method:
1. Pre-heat samples in the bath until 25 degrees centigrade.
2. Place specimen on the stand of the penetrometer.
3. Lower the needle until it is on the surface of the specimen,
you will notice on the reflection on the bitumen.
4. Zero the gauge then release the needle at the same time the
countdown is pressed.
5. The needle is released for 5 seconds.
6. Each penetration, total of 3, cannot be more than 10mm apart
from each other.

Tom Fraser Highways Engineering Lab Report

Bitumen penetration apparatus,

needle and gauge with
specimen tray and release
button.

(Image, ZEAL INTERNATIONAL)

(Fig, 2.1)

The term consistency is very

important in this test. It is an
empirical measure of resistance
in given by fluid to continuous
deformation when subjected to
shear stress. As penetration is related to the viscosity of bitumen
and as the viscosity changes when there is a change in
temperature, it is important to standardise this test in order for all
results to be consistent.
Results and Calculation:
Results are very delicate to test conditions, therefore it is important
that each step has been followed to the precise standard set by BS
2000: Part 58: 2000.
(Table, 1.1)
SAMPLE/DETEMINAT
ION
A

49

60

47

AVERAG
E
52

GRADE
4

Conclusion
The average penetration of this sample is 52mm. The BS2000: part
49 complies with this sample. The British Standard is identical with
IP 49/86(89). (C. J. Summers, 2000) John McAdam was a Scottish
road engineer who revolutionised the modern day road.
The reason why the results are not all the same can be due to the
fact that the needle might not have been set right at the surface of
the bitumen sample each time. Also that the release button

Tom Fraser Highways Engineering Lab Report

depends on reaction times for when the five seconds has finished on
the timer.
The water-bound macadam roads were the very first use of tar, a
bitumen based binding that was to become tarmacadam, this word
has been shortened to the familiar tarmac. (Bellis, n/a) Grading
helps to assess the suitability in different climatic conditions. For
bituminous macadam, IRC suggests grades 30/40, 60/70, 80/100.
Whereas in warmer conditions, lower penetration grades are
recommended to avoid softening. Colder conditions prefer higher
penetration grades to prevent excessive brittleness. Bitumen has
thermoplastic properties, therefore becoming softer when heated,
vice versa when cooled. Therefore we can assume that the
penetration index of bitumen can be worked out using either the
penetration test, or the ball and ring softening point test. On the
same sample of bitumen, it should give, as long as each test has
been followed to the direct standards, the same index result. As it is
the temperature susceptibility of bitumen.

Appendix:
References:
1. READ WHITEOAK, (J.R, D.W) The Shell Bitumen Handbook.
London: Thomas Telford Publishing, 2003.
2. OFlaherty, (C. Of) Highways: Highway Engineering. 3rd
edition. E. Arnold, 1988.
3. BACMI Bituminous Mixes and Flexible Pavemens. BACMI
Websiteshttp://www.pavementinteractive.org/article/penetration-test/
(accessed: 8.11.2015)
http://theconstructor.org/building/building-material/penetrationvalue-of-bitumen/1403/ (accessed: 8.11.2015)
http://civilengineerspk.com/transportation-engineeringexperiments/exp-8-penetration-test-of-bitumen/ (accessed:
9.11.2015)

Tom Fraser Highways Engineering Lab Report

http://www.astm.org/Standards/D5.htm (downloaded file) (accessed:
9.11.2015)

Safe working procedure:

The container should be completely still throughout the

duration of the test.
Worktop should be free from any clutter.
The bitumen sample should be free from pollution or foreign
matter.
All equipment needs to be checked for defaults

Risk Assessment:
Task Hazards/Deficie
ncies

Handling the
Bitumen

Risk
WC
O

Hi

LIK

Lo
w

Current
Controls
LVL

Low

Gloves and an
Apron

Penetration
needle

Me
d

Low

Low

Making sure it is
secure on the
machine

Dangers of
equipment falling

Me
d

Low

Med

Safety steel cap

boots

Remedial Measures;
Controls, Action;
Comments. Inc, date.
Gloves to protect skin,
continuous handling
could lead to tumours.
(start of lab session)
Checking all
experiment/test
equipment (prior to
commence of test)
Making sure work
station is clear and only
necessities are to be out
for operation (prior to
the commence of test)

Tom Fraser Highways Engineering Lab Report