Introduction:

In this experiment we will test asphalt cement samples

for penetration and softening point, to measure the
resistance of this asphalt cement for loading and for
temperature, therefore we can know how to use it in
design of pavement and does it resist temperature for this
region.

Objectives:
The aim of this experiment is:
1. To be familiar with the penetration and softening point
measurements for asphalt cement samples.
2. Categories the tested sample to resist load and
temperature.

Material used:
1. Asphalt cement samples.
2. Penetration apparatus.
3. softening point apparatus.(fig.1)

(fig.1)

Procedure:
For penetration test:

1. A container of asphalt cement is brought to the

standard test temp. (25 c) in a thermostatically
controlled water bath.
2. The sample is placed under a needle of prescribed
dimensions.
3. The needle is loaded with 100gm weight.
4. Release the needle to penetrate the sample.
5. Measure the penetration after 5 sec.
For softening point test:
1. A brass ring is filled with asphalt cement.
2. The ring with the asphalt is suspended in a beaker
filled with water at 25mm (1 in) above a metal
plate.
3. A steel ball is placed on the asphalt sample in the
center in each ring.
4. the bath is heated at a rate of 5c/min.
5. When the asphalt cement softens the ball and the
asphalt starts to fall down and sink into the bath.
6. At the moment the asphalt sample touches the
bottom plate the temp. is measured and this temp.
is recorded as the softening point.

Data:

Table 1: data of coarse aggregate

Coarse
aggregate

Group
1

Group
2

A
B
C

803.66
817.63
504.0

894.2
910.17
560.04

Table 2: data of fine aggregate

Fine aggregate

Group
1

Group
2

B
C
A

637.6
929.86
468.0

650.03
942.25
465.5

Results:
Table 3: results of coarse aggregate

Coarse aggregate

GSB
GSA
GSB(SSD)
ABSORPTION

Group 1

Group 2

AVG

2.562

2.554

2.558

2.682

2.676

2.679

2.607

2.6

2.603

1.74%

1.78%

1.76%

Table 4: results of fine aggregate

Fine aggregate

GSB
GSA
GSB(SSD)
ABSORPTION

Group 1

Group 2

AVG

2.253

2.24

2.2465

2.663

2.686

2.675

3.07

3.31

3.19

6.84%

7.41%

7.125%

Discussion:
It can be seen that the results of group#1 & group#2 for
coarse aggregate are approximately the same and around
the known value (2.58), while in fine aggregate the results
are not approximately as the same as in coarse, this can
be the void ratio because we didnt roll the flask enough
time when we put a 500gr of fine SSD aggregate in the
flask and put some water on it so I think some voids are
still filled with air.
From the results we can see that in fine Agg. always G SB<
GSA< GSB(SSD) for example group#1 2.253<2.663<3.07
while in coarse Agg. always GSB< GSB(SSD)< GSA for
example group#2 2.554<2.6<2.676 .
In addition we can see that the absorption capacity is
higher in the fine agg. Sample than the coarse that refers
the fine sample has more void ratio than coarse sample as
a result the specific gravity of fine agg. Is less than coarse
agg.

There where some errors in this experiment they can be

summarized as the following:
1. The loss of some of the sample, especially the fine
sample.
2. The samples (fine and coarse) are not 100%
representative.
3. The existing of some entrapped air in the samples; this
will give BSG and ASG less than the actual.
4. Human errors in taking readings of weightings, and
preparing samples.
5. Errors in calculations and devices (balance).

Conclusion:
From this experiment we can conclude that:
1. Absorption capacity for coarse aggregate is less
than the one for fine aggregate
2. The bulk specific gravity for coarse aggregate is
greater then the one for fine aggregate.
3. There are many forms of bulk specific gravity, used
to describe any sample of aggregate, based on the
definition of each of them.

References:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Laboratory manual.
ASTM, C127-84,C128-84.
Concrete Technology, by A. M. Neville. & J. J. Brooks
Pavement analysis and design, by Yang H. Huang.
Notes.