2.

3 Softening Point Test

Bitumen does not suddenly change from solid to 1iquid state, but as the temperature increases, it
gradually become softer until it flows readily. The common procedure is to liquefy the bitumen by
heating. The softening po\nt is the temperature at whi·ch the substance attains a particular degree
of softening under specifieti condition of test. ·
Apparatus !? A
The apparatus for the softening point test consists of the following:
.,
1. Ring !ill4'B,all ·apparatus.
· 2. A bathi:'hav~g,tjth liquid~ water for material having softening point below 80° C and .
,~~ f.· . I . 0
glyce.{ine for material having soft,ening point a?ove 80 C. ~ -
3. Meyhanical stirrer is used for ensuring uniform heat distribution at all times throughout the •
bath.
Procedure

t 1. The sample material is · heated to a temperature between. 75 and 100 C above the °
approximate softening point until it is completely fluid. It is then poured in heated rings

• placed on a glass plate, which ,s coated with a solution of glycerin and dextrin to avoid of
sticking of bitumen to the metal plate.

• 2. After cooling the rings in air for 30 minutes, the excess bitumen is trimmed and rings are

• placed in the support.

•
3. The samples are immersed in disti11ed water, which is kept at 5 °c for 15 minutes after which
the balls are placed in position, on top of the sample in the ring.

•• 4. The temperature is ·then raised at a uniform rate of 5 °c per minute with a controlled
heating unit, until the bitumen softens and the balls on top of them sink through. This
process is repeated for at least two observations .

• Observations and Calculations

•• I. f3itumen grade
)

2. Approx imate Softening poi nt

3. Liq uid used in the bath
= oc

• 4. Peri od of cooling in air, minutes m inutes

••
5. Peri od of cooling in water bath, minutes = minutes

•
48

~.
!,
 Table 2 5 Observa t·ion t a bl e f or S of tenme point
I
I
Sample No. 1 Sample No. 2
Mean
Test property Ball no Ball no
Ball no Ball no Value
't
\ 1 2 1 2
~
·-
'

Temperabire ( C) at -~ ·•
which sam pl,,~
touches b9J;tqm plate
·1
4 .. .... .

I
· •✓ ..~: t- i
Results ""· ~

The mean vdlue of softening point of th~ given sample:

,.

/ -~ · · ·ter .....,
.
.
°C
'
•
• -•~Mt-+--- ammen

•
• Snntng Point End Point

• Fig. 2.3 Softening Point Test for Bitumen Sample

•
Specifications
The range of softening point values specified by the Indian Standards Institution for various
grades of bitumen available in India is given. The minimum value for Assam petroleum A 25 & A
0
35 is 55 to 70 °c, S 35 is SO to 65 °c, A 45 , S 45 & A65 is 45 to 60 °c, S6S is 40 to SS c, A 90 &
0 0
S 90 is 3S to SO c and A 200 & S 200 is 30 to ., 4S c.

••
Applications
)

Softeni ng point is essenti ally the temperature at which the bituminous binders have an equal
vi scosity. T he softe,ning point of tar is therefore related to the equi -viscous temperature (e.v. t) .
0
The softening point found by the ring and ba ll apparatus is approximate ly 20 Clowe r than c .v .t.

ft Softenin g point, thus gives an idea of the temperature al which the bituminous material attains a

•
·~
certain viscosity . Bitumen with hi gher softening point may be preferred in warmer place .
Softening point is also sometimes used to s pecify hard bitumen .

49

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