2.

0 Introduction

Unlike some substances like water which changes from solid to liquid at 0 C, bituminous
materials do not have a definite melting point. Instead, these materials slowly change from brittle
or very thick and slow-flowing materials to softer and less viscous liquids when the temperature
is increasing. Thus, the determination of softening point must be made by a fixed, arbitrary and
closely defined method if results are to be comparable.

Being very simple in concept and equipment, the Ring-and-Ball Test has remained a valuable
consistency test for controlling in refining operations especially in the production of air-blown
bitumen. It is also an indirect measure of viscosity that the temperature at which a given
viscosity is evident. The softening point value has particular significance for materials which are
to be used as thick films, such as joint and crack fillers and roofing materials.

A high softening point ensures that they will not flow in service. For a bitumen of a given
penetration (determined at 25 C), the higher the softening point the lower the temperature
sensitivity. Based on the research done, for conventional paving grade bitumen, the Ring-and
Ball softening point temperature is the same as that which would give a penetration of 800 d-
mm. This, together with the penetration at 25 C, can be used to compute the Penetration Index.

3.0 Objective

The objectives of this experiment are:

To determine the temperature at which a phase change occurs in the asphalt cement. It is
measured by ring and ball method in accordance with ASTM D36.
To be able to carry out the softening point experiment independently in the laboratory.
To be able to work as a team to achieve acceptable results.

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4.0 Material & Equipment

The equipments used in this experiment are:

Table 1.0: Material and equipment of softening test

Steel ball, 9.53 mm in diameter, weighing

between 3.55g

Figure 1.0: Steel ball

Ring and Ball-centering guide

Figure 2.0: Ring and ball-centering guide

Ring Holder

Figure 3.0: Ring holder

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 Beaker with Water Bath

Figure 4.0: Beaker with water bath

Thermometer

Figure 5.0: Thermometer

5.0 Methodology

Procedure

The procedure for this laboratory was as follows:

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 1 Hot asphalt is poured into the ring and cooled at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
The sample is then levelled.
2 The ring then placed in the ring holder. The temperature in the water bath is maintained at
51C for 40 minutes and the sample is kept in the water bath at a level of about 102-108
mm from the bottom of the bath.
3 Using forceps place the ball in each ball-centering guide. Then apply heat at a rate of 5 C
per minute and make sure it is increasing uniformly.
4 Record the temperature shown by thermometer when the specimen surrounding the ball
touches the bottom plate.

Flowchart

Asphalt is poured into the ring and

cooled

Place ring on ring holder

placing the ball in ball-centering guide

Record temperature

Figure 6.0: Flow Chart of the Procedure for Softening Point Test

6.0 Result & Calculation

ii) Softening Point Test

Table 2.0: Result of Softening Point Test

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 Number of Sample 1 Sample 2

Test (oC) (oC)

1 43.00 43.00
2 43.00 43.50
Average 43.00 43.50

( R 1+ R 2)
Calculation: Softening Point = 2

(43+ 43)
= 2

= 43.00 oC

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 Softening Point Test (oC)

43.5
SAMPLE 2 43.5
43

43
SAMPLE 1 43
43

42.7 42.8 42.9 43 43.1 43.2 43.3 43.4 43.5 43.6

1 2 Average

Figure 7.0: Softening Point Test

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7.0 Discussion

Softening point indicates the temperature at which binders possess the same viscosity.
Bituminous materials do not have a melting point. Rather, the change of state from solid to liquid
is gradual over a wide range of temperature. Softening point has particular significance for
materials to be used as joint and crack fillers. In this experiment, the value of the average
temperature is 43 degree Celsius and the bitumen belongs to grade 60/70. The value can ensure
the workability of the bitumen in Malaysia since this country has an average of 28 29 degree
Celsius temperature.

Figure 8.0: Bitumens grade

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 Higher softening point ensures that they will not flow during service. Higher the
softening point, lesser the temperature susceptibility. Bitumen with higher softening point is
preferred in warmer places.

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8.0 Recommendation

There are several recommendations based on the penetration test that have been done in
the highway lab by this group. Most of the recommendations involve safety and better way to
conduct the experiment.

One of the precaution for this test is the distilled water should be used as the heating
medium for the accuracy result. Before starting the testing, the bulb of the thermometer should
be at about the same level as the rings. During the experiment is conducted, the apparatus should
not be subjected to vibrations.

For safety precaution, use hand gloves and apron during the experiment is conducted to
avoid any accidents occur. Make sure wears hand gloves while removing the containers from
plate after switching off the hotplate. The equipment should be cleaned thoroughly before and
after the experiment. Use glycerin to remove the asphalt from the container.

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9.0 Conclusion

Based on the result, the average value of the temperature for both samples is 43C. The
asphalt grade that used in this experiment is grade 60/70. Therefore the average value is a little
bit out of range which is between 49C - 56C. It show s that the objective of this experiment
which is to determine the temperature at which a phase change occurs in the asphalt cement is
achieved. It is measured by ring and ball method in accordance with ASTM D36.

10.0 References

1. Muniandy, R and Radin Sohadi, R.U. (2001). Highway Materials : A Guide Book For
Beginners. ISBN 983-2376-08-5
2. Softening Point of Bituminous Materials. Retrieved from
https://theconstructor.org/practical-guide/softening-point-of-biuminous-material/2571/
3. Softening Point of Bitumen. Retrieved from http://civilblog.org/2013/05/12/softening-
point-of-bitumen-is12051978/

4.

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11.0 APPENDICES

Figure 9.0: The sample is heated at uniformly increasing temperature.

Figure 10.0: The specimen surrounding the ball touched the bottom plate.

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