OBJECTIVE

 To determine the penetration value of the given bitumen sample.

 To determine consistency of bituminous material.

REQUIREMENT
APPARATUS REQUIRED:
 Penetrometer: A penetrometer is any device forced into material to measure resistance
to vertical penetration. Any apparatus which will allow the needle to penetrate without
appreciable friction, and which is accurately calibrated to yield results in tenths of mm
shall be adopted.

Figure 1 Penetrometer

 Container: A metal or glass cylindrical, flat bottom container of essentially the

following dimensions shall be used:
 For penetrations below 225: Diameter 55mm Internal depth, 35 mm
 For penetrations between 225 and 350: Diameter, 70mm Internal depth, 45mm

Figure 2 Container

 Water bath for maintaining a temperature of 25˚C: A water bath is laboratory

equipment made from a container filled with heated water. It is used to incubate
samples in water at a constant temperature over a long period of time.

Figure 3 Water bath

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  Thermometer: A device used to measure the temperature.
 Specified needle: A straight, highly polished, cylindrical, stainless steel I (SS 316), rod
with conical and parallel portions co-axial, having the shape, dimensions and tolerances
given in.
The needle is provided with a shank approximately 3 mm in diameter into which it is
immovably fixed. The taper shall be symmetrical and the point shall be 'blunted' by
grinding to a truncated cone.

Figure 4 Specified needle

 Stop watch: Device to measure time precisely.

Material:
 Bitumen sample

THEORY
Bitumen is the residue or by-product obtained by the refining of crude petroleum. A wide
variety of refining techniques like straight distillation technique, solvent extraction technique
etc are used to produce bitumen of different consistency and other desirable properties.
Depending on the origin and other characteristics of the crude oils and property of bitumen
required, more than one processing method may be employed. The type of construction
decides the type of bitumen needs to be used. But in general good bitumen should have
following properties.
Temperature susceptibility of bitumen: the bitumen mix should not become too soft or unstable
during hot weather, and not become too brittle during cold weather.
Viscosity of the bitumen: at the time of mixing and compaction should be adequate. This can
be managed by the use of cutbacks or emulsions of suitable grades or heating the bitumen and
aggregates prior to mixing.
Affinity and adhesion of bitumen: There should be adequate affinity and adhesion between the
bitumen and aggregates used in the mix.
Penetration is a measure of consistency. It quantifies the hardness or softness of bitumen by
measuring the depth in tenths of a millimeter to which a standard loaded needle will penetrate
vertically in 5 seconds under specified temperature, load and duration of loading. A 80/100
grade bitumen indicates that its penetration value lies between 80 and 100. The grading of
bitumen helps to assess its suitability for use in different climatic condition and types of
construction.

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 IS penetration value of Bitumen

Bitumen Grade Penetration Value

A25 20 to 30

A35 and S35 30 to 40

A45 and S45 40 to 50

A65 and S65 60 to 70

A90 and S90 80 to 100

A200 and S200 175 to 225

PROCEDURE
1. The bitumen sample was poured into the container of 35 mm depth.
2. The sample was cooled in atmosphere at a temperature between 15-30 ˚C for 60 to 90
minutes
3. the container was placed in the water bath maintained at a temperature of 25 ˚C for
60 to 90 minutes.
4. The sample was placed under the penetrometer and adjust the screw so that the tip of
needle just touches the surface of the bitumen sample.
5. The initial reading was taken and the knob was pressed for 5 seconds and the final
reading was taken.
6. At least three such measurements were made.

OBSERVATION AND CALCULATION

Sample A(temp=27⁰c) Sample B=(temp=20.6⁰c)

Initial Final Penetration Initial Final Penetration
Obs Reading Reading (mm) Reading Reading (mm)
1 0 39 3.9 0 15 1.5
2 0 36 3.6 0 12 1.2
3 0 36 3.6 0 13 1.3
4 0 33 3.3 0 13 1.3
5 0 33 3.3 0 14 1.4
Average For sample A =3.54mm For Sample B=1.34mm

RESULT
From this experiment the penetration value for the given bitumen sample at 20.6⁰C and 27⁰ C
was found to be 1.34mm and 3.54mm respectively.

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DISCUSSION
The penetration test for bitumen is conducted to determine the consistency or hardness of the
bitumen. It helps to classify the bitumen and assess its suitability for various applications,
particularly in road construction. The penetration value helps to select bitumen which can
withstand the traffic load and temperature variations. The different penetration value was
observed due to the change in temperature of bitumen. It clarifies that that there will be more
penetration in higher temperature. The penetration of bitumen was found 3.54mm at 27⁰C
which means that the bitumen is relatively hard. At this temperature, the bitumen is more
pliable allowing needle to penetrate deeper. It lies on the category of 30/40 penetration grade.
Such hard bitumen is suitable for hot climates or high-traffic roads, where softer bitumen might
deform under heavy loads or high temperatures. It is commonly used for rigid pavements, high-
load roads, and areas with high temperatures. The penetration of bitumen was found to be
1.34mm at 20.6⁰C. A penetration value of 1.34mm suggests the bitumen is very hard and has a
low penetration capacity. It lies in category of 10/20 penetration grade. It can be used in
situations requiring high resistance to deformation and stress, such as heavy-duty pavements
or areas with extreme temperatures. It is also ideal for very hot climates, as it is less likely to
soften under high temperatures.

CONCLUSION
Hence, following the procedure of this experiment, we can determine the penetration value for
bitumen sample and determine it’s grade and suitability for use.

PRECAUTION
 If the sample contains extraneous matter, it should be sieved through IS Sieve 30 (see
IS: 460-1962*).
 To avoid overheating at the bottom of the container, use of an air oven or sand bath is
recommended.
 While the needle is penetrating into the sample, if there is any movement of the
container, that determination shall be discarded.

REFRENCES
1. https://aissmspoly.org.in/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/2.-Penetration-test-.pdf
2. https://law.resource.org/pub/in/bis/S11/is.1201-1220.1978.pdf

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