OBJECTIVE

To determine the softening point of bitumen using Bitumen Ring and ball apparatus.

APPARATUS

1. 2 steel balls (3.5± 0.05 g)

2. 2 brass rings
3. Ball guide
4. Metal frame – to hold ring in position
5. Thermometer
6. Beaker
7. stirrer

PROCEDURE

1. Heat the bitumen at temperature between 75 and 100°C and stir until it is completely
fluid and free from air bubbles.
2. Pour the heated bitumen into ring and allow it to cool.
3. When specimen has cooled, cut the excess bitumen with a warmed sharp knife.
4. Place the sample in the brass ring and suspend the in the water at a given temperature.
5. Place a steel ball on the sample and heat the water such that the water temperature rises
at uniform rate at by 5°C ± 0.5 °C per minute until the material softens and allow the
balls to pass through the ring.
6. Take the temperature reading when the softened sample touches the metal plate. The
noted temperature is the softening point of the bitumen.
DATA AND ANALYSIS

No. of sample Temperature °C Average

1 41 42
2 43

41+43
Average temperature based on softening point test = 2

= 42°C

DISCUSSION

From the observation and results, it is determined that the softening point of the bitumen
samples is 42oC. This means that the sample grade of bitumen used in our test can be
determined as 60/70. Theoretically, value of softening point from Jabatan Kerja Raya (JKR)
is in range of 48oC to 52oC. However, the result obtained from the experiment conducted
does not fall in that range. We can see that the bitumen grade 60/70 this is not suitable to be
used in our country as Malaysia has set bitumen with grade 80/100 to be used in road
construction and pavement. The data obtained differ from the theoretical value because the
sample was not stirred properly when heated and it used undergoes aging.

CONCLUSION

From the result, we can conclude the bitumen does not achieve the Standard Specification
for Road Works (JKR). This is because the theoretical value of the optimum temperature
of bitumen softening point is between 48ºC to 52ºC according to Standard Specification for
Road Works (JKR) and our group result of softening point is 42 ºC. There are some errors
that occurred which will affect the result. However, to prevent this errors we should make
sure the Ring holder does not hold the Ball guide in stationary before doing the experiment.
In addition , the precautions that should be taken also when conducting this experiment are
distilled water should be used as the heating medium and during the conduct of the test the
apparatus should not be subjected to vibrations. The bulb of the thermometer should be at
about the same level as the rings.