DISCUSSION

During the experiment, a lot of factors can influence the data obtained. This problem can
cause a false data which will lead to wrong conclusion made. One of the factors is parallax
error. Students might overlook the measurement unit of the penetration apparatus during the
experiment. During the 5 seconds of penetration, students might lift the penetration needle
even though its not finish yet. Besides that, the needle also can help on disturbing the data
later which happen when there is some remaining bitumen on the needle. Furthermore,
human error also enhancing false data to occur. Students might have different interpretation
with one another. Softening point of reading A is not the same as reading B. Next, the bulb of
the thermometer should be maintained at the same level as the rings which when during the
experiment, it might have fallen out of the position. Lastly, the point of stir was randomly
picked which can cause a bit much problem to the data obtained.

Although, this experiment has a problem as stated above, the value of penetration of the two
samples still can be achieved as we expected. From our observation, we can see that the
bitumen grade 80/100 have been penetrated by the needle deeper than grade 60/70 bitumen.
The result shows that penetration index for 60/70 is lower than 80/100 which the values are
-1 and -0.6. The values are within the range.

For more accurate and better result with safe environment when conducting the experiment,
the problems stated above can be solved if these precautions and recommendations applied.
Firstly, during the conduct of test, the apparatus should not be subjected to vibrations for the
penetration needle to penetrate straight down for whole 5 seconds. Besides that, you should
use safety shoes & apron at the time of test. Next, the equipment should be cleaned
thoroughly before testing & after testing such as the needle should be cleaned with benzene
and dried before penetration.