Civil Engineering Department

Engineering College
University of Misan

Lab.Road

Test No.5

Test Name: Standard Test Method

for Penetration of Bituminous
Materials Designation: D 5 – 06

Prepared by :

‫صفاء علي محسن‬

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5.1 Scope

1.1 This test method covers determination of the penetration of semi-solid and solid
bituminous materials
1.2 The needles, containers and other conditions described in this test method provide
for the determinations of penetrations up to 500
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be considered standard
1.4 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.

5.2 Summary of Test Method

The sample is melted (if starting at ambient temperature) and cooled under controlled
conditions. The penetration is measured with a penetrometer by means of which a
standard needle is applied to the sample under specific conditions.

Test Condition :
• Load =100gm
• Time = 5sec
• Temperature =25 ˚c

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5.3 Apparatus
o Penetration Apparatus

o Sample Container

o Water Bath

o Thermometers

o Timing Device

o Transfer Dish

o Hot plate

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5.6 Procedure

i. Heat the sample to pouring temperature “about 120 ˚C” then pour it

immediately into the sample container to minimum depth of 3 cm,

and allow to cool to room temperature.

ii. Place the sample in water bath at 25 ˚C for 1-2 hours

iii. Place the sample in transfer dish filled with water from the bath, and then

place the transfer dish containing the sample on the stand of penetration

device assembly.

iv. Immediately adjust the needle to just make contact with the sample

surface.

v. Bring the dial pointer to zero, and quickly release the needle for 5 sec

vi. Adjust the instrument to measure the penetration distance and record

the dial reading.

vii. Return the dish and the sample to the water bath and clean the needle with

solvent

viii. Repeat steps 3-7 at least 3times

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 5- Data & Calculatio

Test No. Penetration Average

Dial Reading, mm

1 3.12

2 3.34 3.483

3 3.99

Conclusion:

1.Record the result of the three penetration tests.

2.Calculate the average penetration value of the three tests.

3.Verify whether the sample satisfies the requirements for asphalt cement for use
in pavement or not.

4.Perform the test as quickly as possible before the sample cools.

5.Also perform the test away from the edges of the container and away from
previous tests to minimize local boundary effects.
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