Standard Test Method for Softening Point of Bitumen (Ring-and-Ball

Apparatus)

Muhammad Sohaib

15-CE-52

Engineer Jamal Sb.

30-05-2018

Transportation Engineering Lab

23-07-2018

Civil Engineering Department

University of Engineering & Technology, Taxila.
TE-I Lab 07
 Experiment No. 07
Standard Test Method for Softening Point of Bitumen (Ring-and-Ball
Apparatus)
Standard Reference:
ASTM D-36

Theory:
Softening Point of Bitumen
The softening point is defined as the mean of the temperatures at which the
bitumen disks soften and sag downwards a distance of 25 mm under the weight
of a steel ball.

Scope:
 This test method covers the determination of the softening point of
bitumen in the range from 30 to 157°C [86 to 315°F] using the ring-and-
ball apparatus immersed in distilled water [30 to 80°C] or USP glycerin
(above 80 to 157°C).
 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded
separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact
equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the
other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-
conformance with the standard.
 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any,
associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard
to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the
applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use

TE-I Lab 07
PRINCIPLE
Two horizontal disks of bitumen, cast in shouldered brass rings, are heated at a
controlled rate in a liquid bath while each supports a steel ball. The softening
point is reported as the mean of the temperatures at which the two disks soften
enough to allow each ball, enveloped in bitumen, to fall at distance 25 mm (1.0
in.).

Significance:
Bitumen’s are viscoelastic materials without sharply defined melting points;
they gradually become softer and less viscous as the temperature rises. For this
reason, softening points must be determined by an arbitrary and closely defined
method if results are to be reproducible.
The softening point is useful in the classification of bitumen’s, as one element in
establishing the uniformity of shipments or sources of supply and is indicative of
the tendency of the material to flow at elevated temperatures encountered in
service.

Equipment’s:
1) The ring and ball apparatus consisting of:
i) Steel balls-two numbers each of 9.5 mm diameter weighing 3.5 ± 0.05
g.
ii) Brass rings-two numbers each
having depth of 6.4 mm. The
inside diameter at bottom and top
is 15.9mm and 17.5 mm
respectively.
iii) Ball guides to guide the movement
of steel balls centrally.
iv) Support -that can hold rings in
position and allows for suspension
of thermometer. The distance
TE-I Lab 07
 between the bottom of the rings and the top surface of the bottom
plate of the support is 25mm.
2) Thermometer that can read up to 100° C
with an accuracy of 0.2° C.
3) Bath–heat resistant glass beaker not less
than 85 mm in diameter &1220mm deep.
4) Stirrer

Procedure:
 Heat the material to a temperature between 75-100° C above its softening
point; stir until, it is completely fluid and free from air bubbles and water.
If necessary, filter it through IS sieve 30.
 Place the rings previously heated to a temperature approximating to that
of the molten material, on a metal plate which has been coated with a
mixture of equal parts of glycerin and dextrin.
 After cooling for 30 minutes in air, level the material in the ring by
removing the excess material with a warmed, sharp knife.
 Assemble the apparatus with the rings; thermometer and ball guides in
position
 Fill the bath with distilled water to a height of 50mm above the upper
surface of the rings. The starting temperature should be 5° C.
(Note: Use glycerin in place of water if the softening point is expected to be
above 80° C; the starting temperature may be kept 35° C.)
 Apply heat to the bath and stir the liquid so that the temperature rises at a
uniform rate of 5 ± 0.5 °C per minute.
 As the temperature increases the bituminous material softens and the
balls sink through the rings carrying a portion of the material with it.
(Note the temperature when any of the steel balls with bituminous coating
touches the bottom plate.)

TE-I Lab 07
  Record the temperature when the second ball touches the bottom plate.
The average of the two readings to the nearest 0.5°C is reported as
softening point.

Observations and Calculations:

Sample No. Softening Point (Temperature) oC

Recommended Values:
This test method covers the determination of the softening point of bitumen in
the range from 30 to 157°C [86 to 315°F] using the ring-and-ball apparatus
immersed in distilled water [30 to 80°C] or USP glycerin (above 80 to 157°C).

Conclusion/Results:
Softening point indicates the temperature at which binders possess the same
viscosity. Bituminous materials do not have a melting point. Rather, the change
of state from solid to liquid is gradual over a wide range of temperature.
Softening point has significance for materials to be used as joint and crack
fillers. Higher softening point ensures that they will not flow during service.
Higher the softening point, lesser the temperature susceptibility. Bitumen with
higher softening point is preferred in warmer places.

References:
https://theconstructor.org/practical-guide/ring-ball-softening-point-bitumen-asphalt-tar/2571/
https://civilengineerspk.com/transportation-engineering-experiments/exp-12-softening-point-of-bitumen/
http://www.shxf17.com/pdf/ASTMD36-95.pdf
https://www.engineeringcivil.com/determining-softening-point-of-bitumen.html
https://www.google.com/search?q=rings+in+astm+d+36&safe=strict&client=opera&hs=soW&source=lnms&tbm=
isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwj3vfTW0OPbAhXMQ30KHdUZAlMQ_AUICigB&biw=1326&bih=658

TE-I Lab 07