GUIDELINES ON

USE OF MODIFIED BITUMEN

IN ROAD CONSTRUCTION
(SECOND REVISION)

INDIAN

ROADS CONGRESS
2010

IRC SP 53-2010

GUIDELINES ON
USE OF MODIFIED BITUMEN
IN

ROAD CONSTRUCTION
(SECOND REVISION)

Published by

INDIAN

ROADS CONGRESS
Kama

Sector

New

6,

Koti

Marg,

R.K. Puram,

Delhi

110022

NOVEMBER -2010
Price Rs. 300/-

(Packing & Postage Extra)

IRC:SP:53-2010
First

Published

First

Revision

December, 1999
February, 2002
September, 2004
November, 2010
December 2011

Reprinted

Second Revision
Reprinted

(All

Rights Reserved.

No

part of this publication shall be reproduced, translated or

transmitted in any form or by any

Indian

Published at

Aravali Printers

&

means

without the permission of the

Roads Congress)

Publishers Pvt. Ltd. W-30, Okhla Phase

(500 Copies)

II,

New

Delhi

IRC:SP:53-2010

CONTENTS
Page No

Personnel of Highways Specifications & Standards Committee

(i)

to

(ii)

1.

Introduction

2.

Scope

3.

Advantages

4.

General Requirements of Modifiers

5.

Type

6.

Applications of Modifed Bitumen

7.

Manufacturing

8.

Specification Requirements for Modified Bitumen

9.

Transportation

10.

Design of Mixes

11.

Construction Operation

12.

Quality

of

3
of Modified

Assurance

Annex-2

Annex-3

Annex-4

in

10

Storage and Handling of Modified Bitumen

11

at Site

Sampling and

Annex-1

Bitumen

Bitumen Modifiers

and Mixes
13.

12

Criteria

Determination of Complex Modulus

Method

for

Method

for Elastic

Method

for

Recovery Test

Separation Test

Torsion Recovery of Modified Binders

13

18

20
22

Digitized by the Internet Archive

in

2014

https://archive.org/details/govlawircy2010sp53_0

IRC:SP:53-2010

PERSONNEL OF THE HIGHWAYS SPECIFICATIONS AND

STANDARDS COMMITTEE
(As on
1.

3.

May, 2010)

&

Director General (RD)

Sinha, A.V.
Vw/U(

st

my

Rr^csH Trcincnort
rxUdU
di lofJUl

IVtH IUI

Spl. Secretary, Ministry of

Mcma/
r^olhn
INtjW Uclill

Ot 1linhuA/owc
IWdyo,

Di
iri
Q W
run,
o.rv

Auui. Director oenerai, ivimisiry 01

(Co-Cont/enorJ

Transport

Kandasamy,

Chief Engineer (R) S&R, Ministry of

Tran^nnrt
& Hinh\A/a\/Q
iidiiojjvjii iy,
ljc.ii h
ncvv Dplhi
y ivvcjy o Mow

[ivi\zi

lUKzi

C.

oc>o/ clcii y

& Highways, New

Koaa

Delhi

Road

Members
A
H.

uaua,

executive uirecior,

rviv

New

Pvt. Ltd.,

O.

OUpid, rvrv

R
D.

OH

II

Id,

v^niei

Navi

^tASia

j,

naryana n vvlj

dllbpUl LdllUl

CnyillCCl, LilUUU,

Mumbai

7.

Kadiyali, Dr. L.R,

Chief Executive, L.R. Kadiyali & Associates,

8.

Katare, P.K.

Director (Projects-Ill), National Rural

Development Agency,

New
9.

Jain, Dr. S.S.

{\)

Delhi

engineer

nUUI. *^MIcl

oonsuwng tngg oervices

New

Delhi

Roads

(Ministry of Rural

Development)

Delhi

Professor & Coordinator, Centre of Transportation

Engg.,

IT"

Roorkee, Roorkee

10.

Reddy, K Siva

Engineer-in-Chief (R&B) Andhra Pradesh, Hyderabad

11.

Basu, S

Chief Engineer (Retd.),

12.

Bordoloi,

13.

Rathore, S.S.

B.

C.

MoRT&H, New

Delhi

Chief Engineer (NH) Assam, Guwahati

Principal Secretary to the Govt, of Gujarat,

R&B

Deptt.

Gandhinagar
Pradhan, B.C.

Chief Engineer (NH), Govt, of Orissa, Bhubaneshwar

0.

rrasaa,

uniei engineer u\nj,

D.

Lc

14.
I

i*v\

r\umar,
i

u.i\.

o W ^\ is

AsnoK
f\

uniei engineer, ivimisiry 01

Highways,
17

Kumar Kamlpsh
Krishna, Prabhat

Patankar, V.L

New

Koaa

ranspon &

Delhi

Road Tran^nort &

Delhi

Chief Engineer, (Retd.), Ministry of

Highways,
19.

New

Chipf Fnoinppr Mini^trv of

Highways,
18

kuu, raina

Member

New

New

Road Transport &

Delhi

(Tech.), National

Highways Authority

Delhi

20.

Kumar, Mahesh

Engineer-in-Chief, Haryana

21.

Bongirwar, PL.

Advisor L&T,

22.

Sinha, A.K.

Chief Engineer, (NH), UP,

(')

PWD

Mumbai

PWD, Lucknow

of India

IRC SP 53-2010
23

Sharma. S C.

New
24

Sharma

25.

Gupta.

Dr.

V.M.

Director

New
Momin, SS.

27

Reddy, Dr T

New

Delhi

Genera (RD) & AS

(Retd.),

MoRT&H,

Delhi

Road Research

Ex-Scientist, Central

S.

Shukla, R.S.

Road Research

Jain, R.K.

30

Chandrasekhar,

Dr.

P.

PWD, Sonepat

(Ministry of Rural

Member

New

SS

Roads Development

Director (Tech.), National Rural

Agency
Singh, B.N

Institute,

Delhi

Chief Engineer (Retd.) Haryana

29.

Institute,

Delhi

Ex- Scientist, Central

New

31.

MoRT&H,

Former Member, Maharashtra Public Service

Commission, Mumbai

New
28.

(Retd.).

Delhi

Consultant, AIMIL,

D P

26

& AS

Director General (RD)

(Tech.), National

Development),

New

Highways Authority

Delhi

of India

Delhi

Chief Engineer (NH),

PW (R),

32

Nashkar,

33.

Raju, Dr. G.V.S

Chief Engineer (R&B), Andhra Pradesh, Hyderabad

34.

Alam, Parwez

Vice-President, Hindustan Constn. Co. Ltd.,

35.

Gangopadhyay,

36.

Singh, Nirmal

Director, Central

Dr. S.

New
37

New

(Retd.),

& SS

(Retd.),

MoRT&H,

Delhi

MoRT&H, New

38.

Jain, N.S.

Chief Engineer (Retd.),

39.

Chief Engineer (Pig.)

Ministry of

40.

Representative

Director General Border Roads,

EX-Officio
1.

President,

Institute,

Delhi

Director General (RD)

Sinha, V.K.

& SS

New Delhi
MoRT&H,

Road Research

Director General (RD)

Jit

Kolkata

Delhi

Road Transport & Highways, New

New

Delhi

Members

(Liansanga), Engineer-in-Chief and Secretary,

IRC

Delhi

PWD

Mizoram, Aizawl
2.

Director (General)
Spl.

3.

Secretary

Secretary General

RD &

(Sinha, A.V.) Ministry of

New

Road Transport & Highways,

Delhi

(Indoria, R.P.) Indian

Roads Congress, New

Delhi

Corresponding Members
1.

Justo, Dr. C.E.G.

Emeritus Fellow, Bangalore University, Bangalore

2.

Khattar, M.D.

Consultant,

3.

Agarwal, M.K.

Engineer-in-Chief (Retd.), Haryana

4.

Borge, V.B.

Secretary (Roads) (Retd.), Maharashtra

(ii)

Runwa! Centre, Mumbai

PWD
PWD, Mumbai

IRC:SP:53-2010

INTRODUCTION
t

1.1

During the Second Meeting of Flexible Pavement Committee (H-2) held on

05 September, 2009 the Convenor Shri A.V. Sinha expressed the urgency of revision
of

IRC:SP:53-2002 and a Sub-group under the Chairmanship of Shri S.C. Sharma

consisting of Dr. Sunil Bose, Dr. B.R. Tyagi and Shri S.K. Nirmal

was formed

to revise

The H-2 Committee in its fifth meeting held on 24 April, 2010 approved
the revised document presented by the Sub-group. The Personnel of Flexible Pavement
Committee (H2) as on 24 April, 2010 are as follows
the document.

Convenor
Co-Convenor
Member-Secretary

Sinha, A.V.

Bose,

Dr. Sunil

Nirmal, S.K.

Members
Basu, Chandan

Katare, P.K.

Bhanwala, Col. R.S.

Krishna, Prabhat

Bongirwar, P.L.

Lai,

Das,

Dr.

Ammesh

Nigam,

Dushaka, Vanlal
Gajria, Maj. Gen. K.T
Jain, Dr.

Dr. S.K.

Pachauri, D.K.

Pandey, R.K.

Sarma,

M.C.

Dr.

Sivaram

Sarma, S.C.

Jain, R.K.
Jain,

Chaman

Rajesh Kumar

Tyagi, B.R.

Wasson, Ashok

Jain, Dr. S.S.

Kandhal, Prof.

Prithvi

Yadav,

Singh

Dr. V.K.

(Rep. of

DGBR)

Corresponding Members
Bhattacharya, C.C.

Justo, Dr. C.E.G..

Dongre,

Sharma, S.K.

Dr.

Raj

Ex-Officio
President,

IRC

Members
(Liansanga)

Director General (RD)

(Sinha, A.V.)

& SS, MORTH)

Secretary General, IRC

(Indoria, R.P.)

B.

IRC:SP:53-2010

The revised draft document was subsequently approved with some suggestions
by the Highways Specifications and Standards Committee in its meeting held on
01 May, 2010. The draft document was approved by the Executive Committee in its
meeting held on 10 May, 2010. The Council in its meeting held at Munnar, (Kerala)
on 22 May, 2010 approved the document with some comments. The document after
incorporating

comments

of Council

Members was approved by

Highways Specifications & Standards Committee

Flexible

1.2

high

pavements

traffic intensity in

the Convenor of

for printing.

with bituminous surfacing are widely used

in India.

The

terms of commercial vehicles, overloading of trucks and significant

pavement have been responsible for

early development of distress like rutting, cracking, bleeding, shoving and potholing of
bituminous surfacing. A factor, which causes concern in India, is very high and very low
pavement temperature conditions in some parts of the country. Under these conditions
the bituminous surfacing tends to become soft in summer and brittle in winter.
and seasonal temperature

of the

variations

in

1.3

Studies have revealed that properties of bitumen and bituminous mixes can

daily

be improved/modified with the incorporation of certain additives or blend of additives.

These additives are called "Modifiers" and the bitumen premixed with these modifiers is
known as "Modified Bitumen". Use of modified bitumen in the top layers of the pavement
is expected to significantly enhance the life of the surfacing and extend the time of
the next renewal. Full-scale performance studies on overlay carried out by the various

research

institutions,

Indian Institutes of Technology under the aegis of Ministry of

Road Transport and Highways; Central Road Research Institute; Highways Research
Station, Chennai; Rubber Board, Kerala; Gujarat Engineering Research Institute; and
various state Public Works Departments revealed that the use of Modified Bitumen
in construction/maintenance of bituminous roads significantly improve the pavement
performance and is cost effective, when life-cycle cost is taken into consideration.
1.4

IS

15462:2004

classify the

polymer and rubber modified bitumen

into the

following four types:

a)

PMB(P)

Plastomeric thermoplastic based

b)

PMB(E)

Elastomenc thermoplastic based

NRMB
CRMB

Natural rubber and

c)

d)

These are

Crumb

SBR

rubber/ treated

further divided into three

latex based,

and

crumb rubber based.

grades based on the penetration value/softening

point value, as relevant.

The above types

of modified bitumen binders are

recommended

for

use

in

road works.

IRC:SP. 53-2010
In this

document, the above four types of modified bitumen have been referred

generic names-modified bitumen without specifying the type of modifier.

requirement

in

some

respect of

fact that with the

of the properties

growing use of

manufacture products

to

their

now

possible to

manufacture, use and performance.

in

Table

2.

The user can

specify any type of modified bitumen as per IS

classification subject to the condition that the

requirements given

its

is

view of the

specification requirements of modified bitumen for various climatic conditions

are given

1.5

it

in

higher specification. Besides, considerable experience has

been gained over the years regarding

The

technology,

by

The specification

have been upgraded

new equipment and

to

Asimple

in

Table

chosen product meets the

2.

test for defining elastic properties of a modified binder

torsional recovery

specification

by measuring

has been specified.

SCOPE

These guidelines deal with the specifications and use of Modified Bitumen binders in
road construction & maintenance works, their advantages, application, manufacturing
of modified bitumen, transportation, storage, testing, quality control and quality
assurance requirements.

3
3.1

ADVANTAGES OF MODIFIED BITUMEN

depend upon type and quantity of modifier
manufacture. The advantages of modified bitumen

Properties of modified bitumen

used and process adopted

for their

can include one or more of the following

Lower

susceptibility to

Higher resistance

road works:

temperature variations

deformation

to

Delay of cracking and

Better

for

at high

pavement temperature

reflective cracking

age resistance properties

Better adhesion

Higher fatigue

between aggregates and binder

life

of

mixes

Overall improved performance

3.2

and

The choice
overall

life

of modified

bitumen

cycle cost analysis,

may be made on

where data

is

available.

the basis of traffic, climate,

IRC SP 53-2010

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS OF MODIFIERS

Modified Bitumen

4.1

is

obtained with the incorporation of selected thermoplastic

polymers (Plastomeric or Elastomeric), crumb rubber or natural rubber

When used

in

bitumen.

as bitumen modifier, selected polymers/rubbers or a blend of these should

have the following properties:

i)

Compatible with bitumen

ii)

Resist degradation at mixing temperature

in)

Capable

of

being

processed

by conventional

mixing

and

laying

machinery
iv)

Produce coating

v)

Maintain premium properties during storage, application and

vi)

Capable

A number

4.2

viscosity at application temperature

of providing

homogeneous blend

of proprietary products

bitumen can be modified. These modifiers

service

with bitumen.

are available

shall

in

in

market, with which

comply with the above requirements

besides conformity to specifications. Products shall be evaluated for their

suitability in

an approved laboratory.

Over the years,

5.1
for

TYPE OF BITUMEN MODIFIERS

different types of materials

have been investigated as modifiers

bitumen modifications. The commonly used modifiers are given

in

Table

The

modifier

should be compatible with bitumen to achieve the required properties.

5.2

Proprietary products

achieve improvement
Table

in

may

contain a blend of different polymer additives to

properties of bitumen for road works.

Classification of

Rubber and Polymer Based Bitumen Modifiers

Examples

Types of Modifiers
Plastomeric Thermoplastics

Polyethylene (PE), Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA), Ethylene Butyl Acrylate

(EBA), Ethylene-Methyl-Acrylate copolymers (EMA) etc.

Elastomeric Thermoplastics

Styrene Isoprene Styrene (SIS), Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene (SBS) block

copolymer, Styrene-Butadiene Rubber

Synthetic
Natural

Rubber Latex

Rubber

Crumb Rubber

and Ethylene Ter Polymer (ETP)

etc.

Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR) latex and any other suitable synthetic rubber
Latex or Rubber Powder

or Treated

Crumb Rubber, Treated Crumb Rubber

Crumb Rubber

IRC:SP:53-2010

APPLICATIONS OF MODIFIED BITUMEN

Since a bituminous mix prepared with modified bitumen has a higher stiffness

6.1

modulus, enhanced fatigue

strength,

it

is

life,

suitable as a wearing course, a binder course

surfaces which are cracked and subjected to heavy

used

and higher

better resistance to creep

Stress Absorbing

for application like

Membrane

Stress Absorbing

Interlayer

and overlay material on

Modified binders are also

traffic.

Membrane (SAM)

(SAMI)

indirect tensile

for sealing of cracks,

for delaying reflection cracking,

Porous

Asphalt and Stone Matrix Asphalt (SMA).

Modified bitumen performs better than conventional bitumen

6.2

where the aggregates are prone

properties, they

increased

for

can also be used

life

to stripping.

at

Due

to their better

in

situations,

creep resistance

busy intersections, bridge decks and roundabouts

of the surfacing.

The manufacturer

MANUFACTURING

document and maintain a quality system

to ensure that the products supplied conform to the specifications. The quality system
shall consist of procedures, regular inspections and tests and/ or assessment and the
use of results to control the quality of the finished product. All the equipment used in
7.1

shall establish,

the manufacturing process shall be regularly inspected, calibrated and maintained

to

ensure that normal wear and tear or

failure

does not cause inconsistency

in

the

manufacturing process.

Bitumen used

7.2

for modification will fully

Specification for paving bitumen.

The acceptance

crumb rubber and

natural rubber,

comply with

73 Indian Standard

modifiers such as polymer,

criteria for

additives shall be

IS

documented

for

ensuring their

conformity with the specifications.

The processes used

different

If

manufacture modified bitumen are generally proprietary and

processes are used by various suppliers.

a modifier

like

to

in

high shear

powder form
mill

or

addition of modifier

is

used, the blending plant should be

any other device capable

in

latex form requires special blending

entrapment of moisture which can

The

of producing a

result in

fitted

with a

homogenizer

homogeneous

equipment

blend.

to eliminate the

excessive foaming during the blending process.

modifier into the bitumen should be cured/ digested at an appropriate temperature

curing tank

fitted

The

with heating arrangement, agitator

and

circulation facility for

in

an optimum

IRC SP 53^2010
time period to attain the desirable properties of the modified bitumen
facility is

essentially required at the blending plant

fledged testing

Full

The storage tanks should have minimal

surface area to minimize oxidation and equipped with mixing and circulation equipment to

ensure the homogeneity of the product during storage. While modified binders are generally

manufactured
monitored

to

7.3

All

for

immediate

delivery,

any extended storage must be documented and

ensure that product conforms

to

the specification characteristics.

supply lines throughout the plant, including loading equipment, shall be

designed and procedures established so as

product or cleaning of supply lines

Where

to avoid

lines

need

contamination during change of

to

be flushed,

it

should be done

with hot bitumen or finished product.

The manufacturer

7.4

to the specified

batch, a batch

is

shall establish

procedures

characteristics are maintained.

considered

to

Where

to

ensure that conformance

testing

is

required on each

be the quantity of binder produced and stored

in

one

The batch can be

as no new production has been added.

tank once the production run into that tank has been completed.

considered

to

remain the

same

as long

SPECIFICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR MODIFIED BITUMEN

8.1

The requirements

8.2

For

be taken

into

of modified

Table

2.

of the area or

as indicated

in

Table

2.

For checking the elastic recovery of modified binder, Field Engineer shall

test for Torsion

recovery at 25C using Torsion recovery method as per

The Torsional recovery value

at

in

snow bound area, Fraass breaking point values of modified bitumen will
account. The value of Fraass breaking point shall be less than 7 days

minimum atmospheric temperature

8.3

bitumen are given

15C as indicated

in

shall not

be less than

the laboratory testing.

half of the Elastic

Annexure - 4.
recovery value

IRC. SP 53-2010

Table 2 Properties of Modified Bitumen

nlyriGbl

IVIcdil Mil

Litlpt'i oLUi

<20C

Above

20C to 35C

35C
>-10 <-10

Lowest Mean Air Temp.

>-10 <-10

>-10

Method of

SI.

No.

Test. IS
(2)

(1)

(4)

(3)

Penetration at 25 3 C, 0.1

i)

Ref to

Specified values for the bitumen

Characteristics

(5)

(6)

mm,
fin tn

DU

10

on
Z\J

c,n tn

DU

10

pn
oU

No.

Annexure
(7)

Ann
1203
x

30

to

50

100g, 5 s
ii)

Softening point, (R&B),

in]

rKAMoo

C, Min.

ureaKing poini,

COC,

u, iviax

Mm.

IV)

Flash Point,

v)

Elastic recovery of half thread

C,

50

55

60*

1205

-20

-16

-12

9381

220

220

220

1209

50

60

60

58

70

76

1-3

3-6

5-9

in

ductilometerat 15C, percent, min.

VI)

Complex modulus

Mm

as

kPa

1.0

at

(G*/sin 6)

10 rad/s,

at a

temperature, C
vii)

Separation, difference
point (R&B),

in

softening

C, Max.

....

Vlll)

Viscosity at 150-C, Poise

ix)

Thm
Mill
1

film
IIIMI

1206 (Part

2)

nvpn tpst
CI
Wvbl
\J tpsts
LuOLO on
Ul
lOOl and
1

residue:

mass
HLI J J nercent
Lf^/
III, Max
ILIA

a^ W
oss
in
U/
\J O Ml
1
1

IV

Y\\ iiioicdoc
InrrppQP hi
in ouiLCiiiiiy
Qnftpninn nnint
uj
[juiiii,

.0

9382

1205

35

35

35

12U3

35

50

50

58

70

76

iviax.

c)

Reduction

in

penetration of

resiaue, ai

zd

perceni,

d) Elastic

thread

iviax.

recovery of half
C

in

ductilometer at 25 C,

percent, Min.

Or

Complex modulus as
as
at

Mm

2.2

kPa

at

(G*/ sin

10 rad/s,

temperature C

Where max temperature exceeds 40C,

**Fraass breaking point requirement

will

Softening Point should be 65C

be applicable

for

areas of subzero temperatures.

IRC SP 53-2010

TRANSPORTATION

Modified bitumen shall be transported and applied hot. Safety and handling

9.1

procedures that are applicable

bituminous materials also apply to modified bitumen.

Vehicles used for transportation of modified bitumen must have proper

9.2

heat losses, heating arrangements and arrangements for

insulation to minimize

These vehicles

circulation.

practical level

used

for hot

shall

and be clear

for delivery of

for the delivery of

be emptied of the previous product

to the

minimum

of cleaning materials before loading. Vehicles previously

cutback bitumen or bitumen emulsion products shall not be used

modified bitumen unless thoroughly cleaned, e.g. at ieast one load

bitumen has been put through the tanker to remove traces of other products.
Care shall be taken to ensure that tankers which have not been in use for sometime

of hot

are free from condensation.

Reheating of bitumen during transportation should be avoided. Incase

9.3

bitumen viscosity
heated

to bring

it

at delivery
to

Where

not adequate for pumping, bitumen shall be gradually

an appropriate temperature

be such that the increase

per hour.

is

there

is

in

for

pumping. The rate of heating

shall

temperature of modified bitumen does not exceed 15C

only a small loss

in

temperature, modified bitumen

may be

transferred directly into storage tanks without reheating.

Storage tanks

9.4

and agitating/effective
inlet

at

for

modified bitumen must be properly insulated, have heating

circulation facilities to

ensure homogeneity. For circulation the

should be close to bottom at one end of storage tank and outlet near the top

another end of the storage tank to ensure effective circulation. Return lines

in

system should re-enter the storage tank below the bitumen surface
prevent hot bitumen cascading through the air.
recirculation

Where

modified bitumen

or a different

is

placed

in

in

to

a storage tank previously used for straight bitumen

grade of modified bitumen, the tank

practicable level

shall

be emptied

to the

minimum

order to minimize any dilution effect on the modifier content of the

delivered modified bitumen.

9.5

Storage Temperature and Time

9.5.1

The binder

shall

application temperature.
just prior to

use

solidify in the

to limit

be stored

at

minimum pumping temperature and

The binder shall

not at the

only be heated to the application temperature

degradation of modifier. The binder should not be allowed

to

storage tank.

Obtain a method statement from the supplier as the correct handling and storage

temperature

for the

modified bitumen.

IRC:SP:53-2010

The

9.5.2

following Table gives guidance regarding storage temperature

Holding Time at

Binder Temperature

Modified Binder

Temperature

Medium-Time

Mixing Temperature

at point of mixing

for

(max)

Storaqe Period

4 days

130-140

and time:

Medium-Time
Storage Period

TO

Blended from

170-185

14 days

Specified modifiers

When

modified bitumen

is

required to be stored at a temperature less than

ambient, then reheating should be done gradually and the hot

oil

inlet

00C

or at

temperature or

surface temperature of the heating elements must not exceed 200C. During reheating,

must be agitated and recirculated

the product

10
The mix design

10.1

be done

in

2).

ensure homogeneity.

DESIGN OF MIXES

dense graded bituminous mixes using modified bitumen

same manner as used

the

Design (MS

for

to

The requirements

of

for

shall

conventional bitumen by Marshall Method of Mix

mixes with modified bitumen are indicated

in

Table

3.

Table 3 Requirements of Mix Prepared with Modified Bitumen

Requirement

SI.

Cold Climate

Hot Climate

Properties

No.

High

Method

of Test

Rainfall
1)

Marshall Stability (75

blows) at 60C, kg,

12kN

10kN

12kN

2.5-4.0

3.5-5.0

3.0-4.5

MS:2

Minimum
2)

Marshall Flow at60C,

mm
kg/mm

3)

Marshall Quotient,

4)

Voids

5)

Modified Binder content

in

compacted

by weight of Mix

Minimum

mix,

250-500

Stability

- Flow

3.0-5.0

BC

- 5.4%

Grading

Grading

2*- 5.6%

**

SDBC-

DBM

6)

MS:

-4.7%

Grading 2

- 5.2%

Grading

-4.3%

Grading 2

-4.7%

Grading

Requirement of retained
stability after
in

water

at

24 hours
90

95

100

95

95

100

MS:2

60C, %,

Minimum
7)

Coating with aggregate,

AASHTOT

182

IRC:SP:53-2010
*

**

Grading 1 & 2 corresponds to IRC: 111.

Corresponds to specific gravity of the Aggregate being
cific

gravity

more than

temperature

is

- 10C

In

case aggregate have spe-

bitumen content can be reduced proportionately.

2.7,

mean

regions where highest daily

air

2.7.

air

temperature

is

mean
may be increased by as much as

30C or lower and lowest

or lower, the bitumen content

Further, for
daily

0.5 percent.

CONSTRUCTION OPERATION

11

The

hot mix construction using modified bitumen should be carried out

atmospheric temperature

is

above

5C.

mixes prepared with modified bitumen

given

in

Table

shall

properties of

be

in

the

dense graded bituminous

compliance with the requirements

3.

IRC or

11.1

The

when

MORTH

Specifications and Guidelines shall be applicable for

There should be at least 2 vibratory

and one Pneumatic tyre roller placed as close

construction of roads with modified bitumen.

rollers, alternately,

to the

one Vibratory

paver as possible,

this will

roller

reduce cooling of the mix and

shall

ensure proper

compaction within the stipulated time. The quantity of water used should be enough
ensure wetting of the

roller

wheels but excess water should not be used

at

any

to

cost.

The temperature of mixing and rolling shall be higher than conventional

bituminous mixes. The broad range of temperature at different stages is given in
Table 4. The exact temperatures depend upon the type and amount of modifier used
11.2

and

shall

be adopted as per advice of

Table 4 Broad

Range

supplier.

of Temperature Requirements for Modified Binders

Stage of Work

11.3

are

Indicated Temperature (C)

Binder at mixing

165-185

Aggregates temperature

165-185

Mix at mixing plant

150-170

Mix

at laying site

130-160

Rolling at laying site

115-155

The

specifications for various items of road

same as those

for

works using modified bitumen

conventional grade bitumen except those for any special

conditions, which the manufacturer of modified bitumen

literature of product.

10

will

indicate

in

technical

IRC SP 53-2010

The other control during

11 .4
for

mixing, laying, shall be

same as specified

in

IRC:

11

dense asphalt concrete, semi-dense bituminous concrete and dense bituminous

macadam
12

respectively or as indicated

in

technical literature of product.

QUALITY ASSURANCE IN STORAGE AND HANDLING OF

MODIFIED BITUMEN AND MIXES AT SITE

The main objective of the quality assurance process is to ensure that

product supplied meets the required specification and that the quality of the binder
is applied. From the time the product is dispatched from the
be maintained until
is exposed to the risk of degradation unless the binder is handled in
blending plant
12.1

it

it

the correct way. To ensure that the properties of the applied modified binder have not

changed

significantly

from that of the original product dispatched from the blending

plant, the following quality control

i)

The

supplier

ensure that

it

measures are recommended:

must conduct the necessary

meets the

tests

on the product

to

specification requirements before dispatching

the product.
ii)

Samples should be taken from the tanker while discharging the product
on-site

iii)

and retained

for further testing in the

sample size should not the

less than

The

each batch should be kept

retention

samples

of the engineer

till

for

The

case of a dispute.

kg.

in

the custody

the completion of the project or as specified

in

the

contract
iv)

The

supplier should supply a laboratory certificate for each batch

stating the binder properties. This should include the indicative tests
like

softening point, penetration, viscosity, elastic recovery and phase

separation.

The

tests for

complex modulus

shall

be provided

for the

batch specified by the engineer.

v)

Samples should be taken from

the site storage tank on a daily basis

and tested

and tested

prior to application

point, viscosity
vi)

stability

and torsional recovery

Product not applied can be returned

compliance
with
vii)

storage

It

is

all

prior to further

use

All

to

storage and retested

samples must be

for

clearly labeled

relevant details for ease of identification and traceability.

recommended

that

correlation

testing

laboratories or supplier and user before

supply

for penetration, softening

to identify

any variations

11

in

be done between the

commencement

test results

of the binder

IRC:SP:53-2010
viii)

Prior to the

commencement

should be conducted on the

of a contract, the

first

spectrum

full

of tests

batch of the product to demonstrate

the supplier's ability to comply with the specification. Thereafter, the

respective tests are to be conducted at an agreed frequency unless

change in the source of raw material (base bitumen or polymer

grade). The supplier must also provide a set of curves showing the

there

is

changes

in

the softening point and viscosity properties with time for the

modified bitumen.
12.2

The

Site Quality Control Plan

following quality control tests are to be carried out:
i)

The

contractor's production

programme and the binder

quantities

required on a daily basis including procedures for ordering product

including
ii)

minimum

lead times should be notified

in

advance.

meet the demand,

On-site binder storage requirements to

including

heating and pumping requirements must be indicated.

iii)

Environment management plan

for the storage,

disposal of binders and flushings

is

to

be

spillage

notified

and waste

and meticulously

followed.
iv)

Modified bitumen supplied

circulated

in

in

bulk,

drums

or

bags

shall

be agitated/re-

hot condition using suitable device before use to ensure

homogeneity of the product.

v)

Manufacturer of proprietary products shall be responsible

full

details to user for special precautions

site or
vi)

may depute

if

products at

required.
its

properties.

13

IS

their technical personnel,

for their

Multiple heating of modified bitumen shall be avoided to retain

premium

13.

needed

to provide

Sampling and

SAMPLING AND CRITERIA

criteria for

conformity shall conform to the requirement of

15462:2004

12

IRC:SP:53-2010

Annex-1
( Table -

2)

METHOD FOR DETERMINATION OF COMPLEX MODULUS

Scope
This method covers the determination of complex modulus (G*),

and G7Sin 6

and material aged

material
in

of modified bituminous binders. This standard

binder

is

in

thin film

oven or

limited to particles with longest

rolling thin film

is

Phase angle

(Sin 8)

appropriate for unaged

A particulates material

oven.

dimensions less than 300 micrometer.

Use

Significance and

The test temperature for this test is related to the temperature experienced by the
pavement in the geographical area for which the use of binder is intended. The shear
modulus is an indicator of stiffness or resistance of binder to deformation under load
at specified temperature. The complex (G*) modulus and phase angle (Sin 5) define
the resistance to deformation of the binder in the visco-elastic region. The complex
modulus and phase angle are used to evaluate performance aspect of modified
bitumen, where elastic 'recovery is insignificant.

Summary

of Test

Method
measure the complex modulus

This standard contains the procedure used to

phase angle

and shear modulus (G*/ Sin

(sin 6)

Rheometer (DSR) and

when
test

the

parallel plate test

temperature

thick

testing,

binders using a Dynamic Shear

geometry. The standard

is

suitable for use

complex modulus (G*) varies between 100 Pa and 10 Mpa. The range
lies

in

and 8

one

mm

of

between 35C and 85C depending upon grade, type and

conditioning of the test sample. Test

mm

8) of

(G*),

specimen

of

1mm

thick,

25

mm

diameter or 2

diameter as prepared between parallel metal plates. During the

of the parallel plates

is

oscillated with respect to the other at pre-selected

frequency and rotational deformation amplitudes. The required amplitudes depend

upon the values

of

complex shear modulus

of binders being tested.

The

required

amplitudes depend upon the values of complex shear modulus of binders being tested.

The

test

specimen

is

maintained

at the test

cooling of upper and lower plates.

The complex modulus

(G*)

temperature within

The recommended frequency

and phase angle

0.1

by heating and

of testing

0 rad/s.

(Sin S) are calculated as apart of the

operation of the rheometer using software available with the equipment.

13

is 1

IRC:SP:53-2010

Test Equipment

The

test

equipment comprises following items:

a)

Dynamic Shear Rheometer Test System- Adynamic shear rheometer

consisting of parallel metal plates, an environmental chamber, a loading

device and a control and data acquisition system.

b)

Test Plates - Metal test plates with polished surface, one 8 0.5
in

diameter and one 25 0.05

rheometer
c)

is

in

diameter.

The base

plate

in

some

flat plate.

Environmental Chamber- A chamber for controlling the test specimen

temperature by heating or cooling. The medium for heating and cooling
the specimen in the environmental chamber is either a gas or liquid
that will not affect binder properties. The temperature in the chamber

may be
the

controlled by the circulation of fluid or conditioned gas.

air is

used as medium a suitable

must be included
moisture on the plates and fixture.

condensation of
d)

mm

mm

Temperature

Controller -

drier

temperature

specimen temperature

of maintaining

temperature ranging from 35

to

85C

is

within

needed.

0.1

capable

for the

in

intimate with

range of 35 to 85C readable to the nearest

detector shall be used to control the temperature

test

resistance thermal

detector mounted inside the environmental chamber,

fixed plate with a

to prevent

controller

When

in

the

0.

C.

The

chamber and

provide continuous read out of the temperature during the mounting,

conditioning and testing of the specimens.
e)

Loading Device - The

loading device shall be capable to apply a

sinusoidal oscillatory load to the specimen at the frequency of 10

rad/s.

The

loading device shall be capable of providing either a stress-

controlled load.

If

the load

cyclic torque sufficient to

to with in

is

strain controlled the loading shall apply a

cause an angular

100 micron radian of the

rotational strain accurate

strain specified.

If

the load

is

stress

controlled, the loading device shall apply a cyclic torque accurate to

within

10mN.m

N.m torque
f)

of the torque specified. Total

shall

system compliance

to

100

be <2m. rad/N.m.

Control and Data Acquisition System - The control and data

acquisition

system

deflection angle

shall provide a record of

and torque. The system

and calculate the shear

and phase angle

stress,

shear

temperature, frequency,

shall

strain,

be capable

complex shear modulus

of binder at specified test temperature.

14

to record

IRC:SP;53-2010
g)

Specimen Mould - A

mould

silicone rubber

for preparation of test

specimen.
h)

Specimen Trimmer- A specimen rubber mould

for preparation of test

specimen.
Calibrated Temperature Detector -

i)

thermistor, or Resistance
or diameter < 2.0

mm

is

calibrated

thermocouple,

Temperature Detector (RTD) with a thickness

suitable for

dummy specimen sample

of binder.

measuring the temperature

of a

Thermocouples and thermistors

are not reliable to 0.1C unless calibrated to a standard traceable

Standard and Technology (NIST) and must

to the National Institute of

be calibrated with associated meters or

typically not suitable

between the plates

in

circuitry.

Platinum

because they are too large

the DSR.

to

fit

in

RTDs

are

the gaps

Preparation of Test Specimen

disk of binder with diameter equal to the oscillating plate (often called a spindle) of

the

DSR

(1)

Bitumen binder can be poured

is

needed

for testing.

There are two ways

to

prepare the sample

for testing

directly onto the spindle in sufficient quantity to

provide the appropriate thickness of material, or (2) a mould can be used to form the
disk of material to be tested.
plate of

DSR.

In

the

heated binder
of binder

sample

is

usually

in

is

poured

may be

disk can be place

method, operator should have

first

exact quantity of binder.

Then the

the second method, binder

In

in to

placed

in

is

between the spindle and

sufficient

heated

a rubber mould and allowed to cool.

a refrigerator

until

it

experience

until fluid to

The mould

attains solid consistency.

to

fixed

apply

pour.

The

consisting

Then

the

removed from the mould and placed between the fixed plate and oscillating
spindle of the DSR. The excess binder beyond the edge of the spindle should be
trimmed. Regardless of the method used for preparation of the specimen, the final
step in preparing the specimen is to slightly readjust the gap between the spindle and
the lower plate so that a slight bulge is evident near the edge of the spindle. The step is
normally occurring immediately prior to the testing. The thickness of the bitumen binder
disk sandwiched between the spindle and fixed plate must be carefully controlled.
The proper specimen thickness is achieved by adjusting the gap between the spindle
and fixed plate. This gap must be set before mounting the binder sample, but while
spindle and base plate are mounted in the rheometer at the test temperature, the gap
is adjusted by means of a micrometer wheel. The micrometer wheel is graduated
units of micron. Turning the

base plate related

the spindle down.

to

On

each
other,

wheel allows precise positioning the spindle and

On some rheometer, the micrometer wheel moves

moves the base plate up. Thickness of the gap depends

other.
it

15

IRC:SP:53-2010

on the

test temperature.

gap

of

High test temperature of 46C or greater require a small

mm, High temperature measurement

mm) and

requires a large spindle (25

low temperature a small spindle (8 mm). With the specimen mounted, the operator
shall set the

gap

at the desired value of

trimmed flush with upper

the desired value and

,000 or 2,000 micron. After the specimen

50-micron

plate, the extra

specimen bulges

dialed so that

is

gap

is

is

exactly at

slightly.

Test Procedure
Bring the

specimen

to the test

temperature

0.1 C. After the

sample

is

correctly

in

place and test temperature appear stable then allow the specimen for 10 minutes

minimum

at the set

equilibration time

temperature of the specimen

is

to equilibrate.

operating

in

actual temperature

equipment dependent and should be checked using a

specimen with very accurate temperature sensing

When

The

dummy

capabilities.

a strain control mode, testing consists of using the rheometer

software to select appropriate strain value as under:

KPa

Material

Target Strain,

Strain Range,

Original binder

1.0

(G7Sin5)

12

9-15

TFOT

2.2 (G*/Sin 5)

10

8-12

When

residue

operating

in

a stress controlled mode, select an appropriate stress level using

software as under:

Material

KPa

Original binder

1.0,(G*/Sin 5)

0.12

0.09-0.15

TFOT

2.2

(G7Sin

0.22

0.18-0.26

residue

Target Stress,

8)

Testing consists of using rheometer software to set the

oscillating stress

and recording the

requires oscillation

used with

DSR

speed

to

to control test

is

DSR

and time

resulting strain

10 rad/s, which

Stress Range,

to

lag.

apply a constant

The

approximately 1.59 hz.

parameter and record

test results.

specification

computer

is

The operator need

not worry about setting the value of applied stress. Instead, the operator should set
the approximate value of shear strain.

and depend on the

at high

Shear

values vary from 1-12 percent

stiffness of the binder being used. Relatively soft materials tested

temperature are tested

at strain

values of approximately 10-12 percent. Hard

materials are tested at strain value of about

rheometer measures the stress required

percent.

to

In

the

initial

test.

The shear

strain

set value to achieve the constant stress. Variation

normally controlled by rheometer software.

16

In

stage of the

test,

achieve the set shear strain and then

maintain this stress very precisely during the

amounts from the

strain

can vary small

shear

strain

is

the beginning of the test, the sample

is

in

IRC:SP:53-2010
first

conditioned by loading the specimen for 10 cycles and then 10 additional cycles

The rheometer software automatically computes and

complex modulus (G*) and phase angle (Sin 8).

are applied to obtain test data.

reports values of

Interpretation of Results

The complex modulus

strain.

linear region

independent of shear

The

linear region

is

95 percent or more

and Data Presentation

(G*)

and phase angle

may be
strain.

shear stress
strain

of

is

G* and Sin

will

defined as range

in

of the zero strain value.

maximum

8 are required.

test

is

relatively

vary with magnitude of complex modulus.

strains

where the complex modulus

The shear

measured torque, measured

specimen. For the present specification

A complete

is

stress varies nearly from 0 at

at the extremities of the plate perimeter.

calculated from the applied or

and the geometry of the

decrease with increasing shear

defined as small region where the modulus

This region

the centre of the plates to a

(Sin 5)

The

or applied

only,

values

report includes following parameters:

a)

G*

b)

Sin 8 to the nearest 0.1 degrees,

c)

Test plate size to nearest 0.1

d)

Test temperature to the nearest

e)

Test frequency to the nearest 0.1 rad/s, and

f)

Strain amplitude to the nearest 0.01 percent.

to the nearest three significant figures,

mm
0.

and gap
1

to nearest

\im,

C,

The test temperature as per requirement of specification for complex modulus value of
1kPa (G7Sin 8) for original binder and 2.2 kPa (G*/Sin 8) for residue of thin film over
test shall

be calculated from the

plot of

(GVSin

specification.

17

5)

and temperature

for

compliance of

IRC:SP:53-2010

Annex-2
(Table 2)

METHOD FOR ELASTIC RECOVERY TEST

The elastic recovery of modified bitumen
specimen

conditioning

upto 10

cm

for

deformation

of bitumen modification

be as shown

in

rubber additive

in

and

Fig. 1. This
in

hour

is

evaluated by comparing recovery of thread after

at specified

ductility

temperature and the specimen

machine. This

is

elongated

mainly intended to assess degree

quality of modified bitumen.

is

is

The

cross-section of thread shall

a simple test intended to optimize dose of polymeric and/or

bitumen and help

in

assessing quality of

PMB/RMB

in

laboratory.

Apparatus
Ductility

Machine: Conforming

shown

Fig. 1.

IS:1208-1978 and mould

is

63C thermometer or any other standard thermometer

of

Scissors: Any type of conventional scissors capable of cutting modified bitumen

at

in

Thermometer: An

ASTM

to specification given in

equivalent range.

the test temperature.

Scale:

Any transparent

scale of measuring

ductility

upto 25

cm

with

A 36.5 + 0.1 mm
B 30.0 0.1 mm

Fig.

17.0

0,1

10.0

0.1

10.0

0.1

Design of Mould

mm
mm
mm

for Elastic

18

Recovery Test

mm

accuracy.

IRC:SP:53-2010

Procedure
one sample and condition as prescribed in Test Method
temperature. Elongate the test specimen at the specified rate to a

Prepare three test specimens

IS-1208

at specified

deformation

for

cm at a rate of 5 0.25 cm/minute at specified temperature.

the test specimen into two halves at the midpoint using the scissors.
in

the water bath

After the

in

an undisturbed condition

hour time period,

move

for

Keep the test specimen

hour at specified temperature.

the elongated half of the test specimen back into

specimen so that the two pieces

touch. Record the length of the recombined specimen as X..

position near the fixed half of the test

bitumen

just

Report
Calculate the per cent/elastic recovery by the following procedure:

Elastic

Immediately cut

Recovery (%) =

1Q ' X

00

10

19

of modified

IRC:SP:53-2010

Annex-3
(Table 2)

METHOD FOR SEPARATION TEST

Scope
The separation

of modifier

and bitumen during hot storage

be evaluated by comparing the

ring

and

ball

is

often

seen and

this

can

softening point of the top and bottom

samples taken from a conditioned, polymer or rubber modified bitumen in a

sealed tubes of modified bitumen in a vertical position at 163 5C in an oven for a
portion

period of 48 hours.

Apparatus

Aluminum Tubes: 25.4

mm

in

diameter and 136.7

mm

long blind

aluminum tubes.

Oven: Capable of maintaining 163 5C

Freezer: Capable of maintaining 6.7 5C

Rack: Capable of supporting the aluminum tubes

in

a vertical position

in

the oven and

freezer.

Hammer: The spatula must be rigid and sharp

the sample when at a low temperature.

Spatula and
containing

to allow cutting of the tube

Procedure
Place the empty tube, with sealed end
until sufficiently fluid to

pour.

down

in

the rack. Heat the sample carefully

Care should be taken

to prevent localized over-heating.

600 micron mess size. After through stirring,

pour 50.0 g into the vertically held tube. Fold the excess tube over two times, and
crimp and seal. Place the rack containing the sealed tubes in a oven maintained at
a temperature of 163 5C Allow the tubes to stand undisturbed in the oven for a
period of 48 4 hour. At the end of the period, remove the rack from the oven and
Pass the molten sample through

place immediately
position at

all

in

times.

IS sieve

the freezer at 6.7 5C, taking care to keep the tubes

Leave the tubes

the sample completely.

in

the freezer for a

Upon removing

minimum

in

a vertical

of 4 hours to solidify

the tube from the freezer, place

it

on a

flat

surface. Cut the tube into three equal length portions with the knife. Discard the central
portion of sample,

and place the top and bottom portions of the tube

20

into

separate

IRC:SP:53-2010
beakers. Place the beaker into a 163 5C oven

until

the bitumen

is

sufficiently fluid

remove the pieces of aluminum tube. After thoroughly stirring, pour the top and
bottom samples into appropriately marked rings for the ring and ball softening point
test. Prepare the rings and ball apparatus according to Test Method IS 1205. The top
to

and bottom samples from the same tube should be tested

at the

same

time.

Report
Report the difference,

in

C,

between the softening points

bottom samples as average of three specimens.

21

of the respective top and

IRC SP:53-2010

Annex-4
{Clause 8.3)

TORSION RECOVERY OF MODIFIED BINDERS

Scope

1.

This test method sets out the procedure for the determination of torsional recovery of

polymer modified binders using a sample

to

and cup assembly.

Definition

2.

bolt

simple

means

measure

its

of determining the elastic properties of a polymer-modified binder

Torsional recovery.

3.

Apparatus

3.1

A cylindrical headed

a total

mass

of

required for angle

details of this

bolt

assembly, as

illustrated in Figure 2 with

g.

"spider", with three radial pins

is

aluminium

The bolt has a cylindrical head with a diameter of 28.6 mm

9.52 mm. The threaded shank of the bolt is 44.5 mm long A metal

45 5

and a thickness of
pointer

is

and two

nuts,

measurements

in

can be used

to centre the

the absence of the spider.

assembly and the optional components.

28.6

mm

Not Drawn to Scale Tolerance on mass 1g, dimensions 0.1

Fig.

mm

2 Cylindrical Headed Aluminium Bolt Assembly

22

assembly.

See

Fig

for

IRC:SP:53-2010

mm

3.2

A sample

3.3

An angle-measuring device and sample clamp assembly,

bottomed and 55

cylindrical, flat

tin,

means

of

angle.

The recommended device provides a

in

degrees around

mm

in

diameter.

clamping the sample/bolt assembly and determining the

sample cup
3

in

at least half

mm

within 3

any

its

80

mm

initial

alternative

and recovered

radius and graduated

circumference and a clamp capable of holding the

centre and without deforming the cup by

more than

direction.

A water bath

3.4

of

its

scale, of

an

or

capable of operating

at

25C 0.5C,

fitted

with an appropriate

thermometer.

3.5

drying oven, thermostatically

controlled

and capable

of maintaining a

temperature of 60C to 200C, with a set point accuracy of 5C.

3.6

A stop watch

3.7

A spanner

4.

Method

The

to suit the bolt

torsional recovery apparatus operates by manually rotating an

previously

embedded

180-degree

twist

30 seconds

is
is

of recovery of the original applied rotation.

and nuts

in

Method MB-2. Assemble the

surface of the bolt head 8 2

mm

80C and pour the modified binder

assembly and cup

assembly,

until

begins to form meniscus on the top surface of the

4.2

Testing

to

Allow the assembly to cool for one hour by leaving

(25 3C). Adjust the

assembly height

sample surface. Place the assembly

one hour (see Note

fit

to

it

to stand at

keep the top surface

into the

to the bath.

bolt;

spider

into the tin

bolt.

room temperature

of the bolt flush with the

25C water bath and allow

6.1) Adjust the spider to a position 7 2

and return the assembly

and

initial

below the top of the sample

cup. Preheat the

for

The

reported.

to position the

it

bolt,

The recovery

applied with a spanner over a 10 second period.

Prepare the sample as described

4.1

aluminium

a cup of modified binder, through an angle of 180 degrees

in

and measuring the extent

after

assembly

mm

it

to stabilize

above the

rim

Place the sample assembly on the base-plate

the pointer to the 180-degree position without disturbing the sample. Using the

spanner, turn the bolt moving the pointer from the 180-degree position to the zero

23

IRC:SP:53-2010
position using a steady motion for 10 seconds.

reaches the zero position and

angle after 30 seconds as

bolt

when

the pointer

commence timing (See Note 6.3). Record the

recovered

'A'.

Calculation

5.

The

Release the

torsional recovery

Torsional recovery,

is

given by the following equation:

% = Ax

100

180

Where A = Recovered angle

in

used, the torsional recovery

read

When

the scale presented

in

Figure 3

is

directly.

Notes

6.

6.1

is

degrees.

The

test

should be conducted

Alternatively, the test

The

6.2
results.

The

rate at

objective

practical scale

in

an air-conditioned laboratory

25 3C.

can be conducted within the water bath.

which the torque
is

to apply

marked from zero

is

applied to the sample

180 degrees of
(0

rotation in

is critical

for reproducible

10 seconds. Fig. 3 presents a

degree) to 10 (180 degrees) to help with

loading time
Fig.

at

in

this task.

seconds

3 Practical Scale Marked from 0 to 10 Seconds (0 to 100 percent Recovery)

24

IRC:SP:53-2010

The spider assembly should not come

6.3

contact with the rim of the cup at

into

any time during the recovery phase.

6.4

The

following precautions should be taken

a)

Eye

protection,

when

handling

all

bitumens:

such as safety glasses and/or face shields,

shall

be

worn when handling hot bitumen.

b)

Heat resistant gloves, with close fitting

clothing shall

be no smoking while handling hot bitumen.

There

d)

While the material

(invert the

and other suitable protective

be worn when handling hot bitumen.

c)

shall

cuffs

is still

cold,

can and warm the

loosen the

lid,

if

of the

lid

sample container

necessary), or punch a hole

in

the

lid.

Acceptability of Results

7.

The

following criteria could

Property

be used forjudging acceptability of

results.

Units of

Repeatability

Reproducibility

Precision

(r)

(R)

Torsional

Units of

0.09Vm (100-m)

0.30Vm (100-m)

Recovery

measurement

O
Where

'm' is the

calculated

in

mean

test result

(*)

While actual result

for

percent, the generic term "units of measurement"

is

these properties are

preferred to avoid any

confusion between the absolute value (percent) or percentage of the actual value.

25

to

its
j

pei

as e

;c.

fron