Tag Archives: bitumen penetration test

Roads, TRANSPORTATION ENGINEERING

Penetration Test for Bitumen – Significance and Procedure

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The penetration test for bitumen is a laboratory method for grading bitumen based on its hardness. In this test, the amount of penetrating a specific needle into the bitumen is measured.

More than 85% of bitumen is used in road construction. Weather condition affects on bitumen binder. In cold weather, bitumen becomes hard, and the possibility of cracking increases. On the other hand, hot weather causes bitumen becomes soft and sticky.

Both situations are not acceptable as a result of civil engineers using penetration tests.

  1. What is the Penetration Test of Bitumen?
  2. The Bitumen Penetration Test History
  3. An overview of the Bitumen Penetration test Importance
  4. How Is the Penetration Test of Bitumen Performed?
  5.  Apparatus
    1. Procedure 
  6. Infographics – 10 Major bitumen tests

    What is the Penetration Test of Bitumen?

    The penetration test for bitumen is a laboratory method for grading bitumen based on its hardness. In this test, the amount of penetrating a specific needle into the bitumen is measured.

    This value is reported in a tenth of a millimetre or Deci-millimeter (DMM) as a penetration value. The penetration test can be used for refinery bitumen, emulsion bitumen, and oxidized bitumen. Based on this test bitumen is classified into penetration grades of 20/30, 30/40, 40/50, 50/60, 60/70, and 80/100.

    This test can measure the penetration value in the range of 20 to 300 dcmm. It can recognize the bitumen consistency and stability of bitumen.

    Let’s see this test history and application.

    The Bitumen Penetration Test History

    The first uses of the penetration test, date back to the early 19th century. Before that, the hardness of bitumen is measured based on the Chewing test. It was a completely experienced test. Through that, an engineer chews a moderate-temperature bitumen sample. Then reports the hardness of bitumen according to the difficulty of chewing. Because of the chewing test’s inaccuracy, the penetration test was introduced to the industry. 

    An overview of the Bitumen Penetration test Importance

    More than 85% of bitumen is used in road construction. Weather condition affects on bitumen binder. In cold weather, bitumen becomes hard, and the possibility of cracking increases. On the other hand, hot weather causes bitumen becomes soft and sticky. Both situations are not acceptable as a result of civil engineers using penetration tests.

    Bitumen with high penetration values is suitable for cold weather. Because it does not harden and crack when exposed to low temperatures. On other hand, bitumen with smaller penetration values is suitable for hot weather. Because high temperatures can not soften it. Most workable penetration bitumens are penetration grades 60/70 and 80/100. Penetration grade 60/70 can apply to road construction in warm weather and 80/100 is suitable for cold weather.

    Bitumen penetration grade 80/100 means that the needle penetrates into the bitumen in the range of 80 to 100 decimeters.

    How Is the Penetration Test of Bitumen Performed?

    In the following, you can familiarise yourself with the apparatus and the procedure of the test based on ASTM D5. Before that watch the below video by Infinity Galaxy which introduces the penetration test of bitumen.

     Apparatus

    • Penetrometer 
    • Container
    • Water bath
    • Stopwatch
    • Thermometer
    penetrometer

    Procedure 

    In the first step, bitumen should be heated up until it becomes liquid. Bitumen should not be heated in a temperature range above 90-100 degrees Celsius otherwise it will burn. While the temperature rises, stir the bitumen to make sure it is uniform. Bitumen should also be free of water and air bubbles.

    In the next step, pour the melted bitumen into the container and let it cool at room temperature. 

    After that put the bitumen container in the water bath with a constant temperature of 25 degrees Celsius and let the sample reach the same temperature.

    Then place the container under the penetrometer. Move down the needle just above the bitumen surface. 

    Thereafter, apply the needle which has a 100gr load just for 5 seconds. Repeat the test 3 times and write down the results each time. The needle tip in each repetition should be apart 10mm from the previous measurements.

    Report the mean value as the penetration value of the bitumen sample. The following picture is other important bitumen tests in road construction:

    Infographics – 10 Major bitumen tests

    Roads, TRANSPORTATION ENGINEERING

    Bitumen for roads – Bitumen Uses, Grades and Types

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    Bitumen for roads is an important topic to understand when it comes to road construction. Bitumen is used in road construction because of the wide range of features and advantages it possesses over other pavement construction materials. The significance of bitumen in the construction of roads will be demonstrated in this article. In addition, we shall see bitumen road layers, various bituminous materials, cutback bitumen, bitumen grade, and bitumen properties.

    1. Bitumen for roads – Bituminous binder types
      1. Bitumen vs Tar – Comparison
      2. Tar manufacturing
    2. Desirable properties of bitumen- an important topic in bitumen for roads
    3. Bitumen for roads – Types of Bituminous materials
      1. Cutback bitumen
      2. Bituminous emulsion
    4. Grade of bitumen for roads – Types and Uses
    5. Bitumen road layers
    6. Key Takeaways
    7. Conclusion

    Bitumen for roads – Bituminous binder types

    There are two types of bituminous binder for road construction.

    • Bitumen (by distillation of crude oil)
    • Tar (Produced from coal)

    So, what are the difference between them?

    Bitumen vs Tar – Comparison

    The table below shows a comparison between tar and bitumen.

    BitumenTar
    Petroleum productDistillation of coal or wood
    Soluble in carbon disulphide and carbon tetrachlorideSoluble in toluene only
    Temperature susceptibility is lowTemperature susceptibility is higher than bitumen
    Free carbon content is lessFree carbon content is more
    Comparison between tar and bitumen

    Now, let’s sneak into the manufacturing of tar, being one of the important bituminous materials

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    Tar manufacturing

    Generally, tar is made by heating coal inside a chemical apparatus. Most tar is produced from coal as a byproduct of coke production, but it can also be produced from petroleum, peat or wood.

    Bitumen for roads
    Bitumen for roads

    The major steps in tar manufacturing are,

    • Coal undergoes carbonation and produces crude tar
    • Crude tar undergoes distillation/ refining and produces a residue
    • The residue blends with distilled oil fraction and produces tar

    I am going to tell more about the properties of bitumen now.

    Also read: Classification of roads-5 types of roads full details

    Desirable properties of bitumen- an important topic in bitumen for roads

    The desirable properties of bitumen are,

    Properties of Bitumen
    Properties of Bitumen
    1. Viscosity of bitumen during mixing and compaction is adequate
    2. Bituminous material should not highly temperature and susceptible
    3. In presence of water the bitumen should not strip off from aggregate
    4. The adhesive property of bitumen binds together all the components without bringing about any positive or negative changes in their properties
    5. Bitumen is insoluble in water and can serve as an effective sealant
    6. Due to versatility property of Bitumen it is relatively easy to use it in many applications because of its thermoplastic property
    7. Bitumen play a vital role in distributing the traffic loads on the pavement to the layers beneath

    Bitumen for roads – Types of Bituminous materials

    Okay. So, what are the types of bituminous materials that are used in flexible pavement construction? Below is the list for you.

    1. Paving grade material
    2. Modified bituminous binder
    3. Cutback bitumen
    4. Bitumen emulsion

    Among the list, cutback bitumen is the major. Let me tell you more details about cutback bitumen.

    Cutback bitumen

    Cutback bitumen is the bitumen the viscosity of which is reduced by a volatile diluent. It is used in low-temperature mixing.

    Three types of cutback bitumen are available

    1. Rapid curing
    2. Medium curing
    3. Slow curing

    The diluent while mixing varies with the type of cutback bitumen.

    Type of cutback bitumenDiluent
    Rapid curingNafthal, gasoline
    Medium curingCarosine or diesel oil
    Slow curingHigh boiling point gas oil
    Type of cutback bitumen and suitable diluent

    Bituminous emulsion

    A bitumen emulsion is a liquid product in which a substantial amount of bitumen suspended in a  finely divided condition in an aqueous medium and stabilized by means of one or more suitable material

    Bituminous Emulsion

    Three types of bitumen emulsions are available

    1. Rapid setting
    2. Medium setting
    3. Slow setting

    Also read: Alignment of road: Factors affecting- obligatory points with figures

    Grade of bitumen for roads – Types and Uses

    To determine the grade of bitumen, penetration test is conducted. The results are expressed in 1/10 mm. When penetration value is represented as 80/1000, it is called grading of bitumen.

    The old method of grading is viscosity test. Two viscosities kinematic and absolute and penetration value by penetration test results are collected. Based on this, bitumen is graded. The tables shows the grade of bitumen and values of viscosity in accordance with penetration.

    Grade of bitumenAbsolute viscosityKinematic viscosityPenetration
    VG 1080025080- 100
    VG 20100030060- 80
    VG 30240035050- 70
    VG 40320040040- 60
    Grade of bitumen and viscosity

    Let me tell you the application of each of the grade of bitumen now.

    VG- 10- Used in spray application since viscosity is very less

    VG- 20- Used in cold area

    VG- 30- Commonly used in India

    VG- 40- High grade bitumen used in high traffic areas

    Okay. So, lets’ learn about the bituminous layers.

    Bitumen road layers

    Let’s first look into the road layers to understand bitumen road layers.

    The bitumen road layers come in the surface layer shown in the figure above. The figure below shows that. Bituminous mix consists of aggregate and binder. Aggregate consists of coarse aggregate, fine aggregate and filler less than 0.075mm.

    Bitumen Road Layers
    • Bituminous concrete consists of aggregate and bitumen.
    • Thickness of base course depends on grading of aggregate
    • Dense graded aggregates are provided in base course. That is the permeability will be very less
    • Number of voids should be very less
    • Dense bituminous macadam should be given as a binder course

    So, the trip is over. Hope the time you spend for reading about the bitumen for road was worth it.

    MUST READ: Road margins- 6 types of road margin in highway

    Key Takeaways

    • Bitumen for roads is essential for flexible pavement construction.
    • It offers water resistance, adhesion, durability, and temperature stability.
    • Common uses include binder layers, surface sealing, and protective coatings.
    • Bitumen types include penetration grade, viscosity grade, cutback bitumen, and bitumen emulsions.
    • Penetration grades like 30/40, 60/70, and 80/100 are widely used.
    • Emulsion types (CRS, CSS, SS) suit tack coats and low-temperature applications.
    • Cutback bitumen (MC30, RC70) is used where quick curing is needed.
    • Bitumen ensures strong bonding between road layers and improves lifespan.
    • Engineers select bitumen grades based on climate and traffic needs.
    • Proper bitumen selection enhances pavement performance and sustainability.

    Conclusion

    Bitumen for roads plays a critical role in the construction and performance of modern pavements. Its unique properties—such as waterproofing, adhesion, flexibility, and resistance to traffic loads—make it a preferred material for road engineers worldwide. Engineers employ various types and grades of bitumen for applications ranging from base layers to surface sealing, based on project requirements and environmental conditions. They use penetration and viscosity grades for high-traffic areas, while they choose emulsions and cutbacks for lower-volume roads and cooler climates. Each bitumen type serves a specific purpose in road layers like prime coats, binder courses, and tack coats. Ultimately, the correct selection and application of bitumen ensure a durable, cost-effective, and long-lasting road infrastructure.

    Bitumen, Building materials

    Bitumen types for road Layers – Bitumen Emulsion types

    2 Comments

    Bitumen types for road layers are a vital topic to comprehend when it comes to road construction. Bitumen is preferred for flexible pavements in road construction because it has many advantages over other pavement construction materials. This article will demonstrate the importance of bitumen in road construction and the types of bitumen for road construction. Furthermore, bitumen emulsion types for road layers, different bituminous materials, cutback bitumen, bitumen grade, and bitumen attributes will be highlighted in this article.

    1. Bitumen types for Road layers /Flexible pavements 
      1. Tack Coat – Bitumen types for road layers
      2. Binder Course – Bitumen types for road layers
      3. Prime Coat – Bitumen types for road layers
      4. Base Course
      5. Sub Base Course
      6. Sub Grade
    2. Protective Asphalt
      1. Seal coat
      2. Slurry Seal
      3. Chip Seal
      4. Micro Surfacing
      5. Fog Seal
    3. Key takeaways
    4. Conclusion

    Bitumen types for Road layers /Flexible pavements 

    The   flexible  pavement  structure   consists  of  the  following  layers: 

    • Tack   Coat  
    • Binder   Course 
    • Prime  Coat  
    • Base   Course  
    • Sub-base Course
    • Subgrade Course
    Bitumen types for road layers
    Road layers
    Bitumen types for road layers

    Keep in mind that the primary component of the road is not protective asphalt. Protective asphalt is deployed to safeguard the road’s surface. Every layer mentioned above uses a different type of bitumen. We will illustrate what types of bitumen are used in each of these layers.

    Tack Coat – Bitumen types for road layers

    The application of coatings is a critical phase in the construction of asphalt roadways. Generally, a tack coat is a thin layer of asphalt emulsion or liquid bitumen used in between layers of hot mix asphalt to prevent slippage. Mostly, MC30 cutback bitumen, CRS-1, and CRS-2 emulsion bitumen are utilised in a tack coat layer of bitumen. The lower layer is sealed by the presence of a tack coat, which also increases the strength of both asphalt layers.

    Bitumen types for road Layers
    Tack coat materials
    Tack coat materials

    MC-30 is a medium-curing cutback bitumen that is ideal for cold climates. Basically, asphalt emulsions are the most often used tack coat materials. However, the most widely used slow-setting emulsions are SS-1, SS-1h, CSS-1, and CSS-1h (1). The usage of rapid-setting asphalt emulsions like RS-1, RS-2, CRS-1, and CRS-2 for tack coats is also on the rise.

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    Binder Course – Bitumen types for road layers

    The base course and the surface course are separated by the binder course. Generally, a binder course is used to keep the road surface from moving. Because the binder course is made out of coarse aggregates, less bitumen is utilised in the manufacture of this asphalt. In the hot asphalt of the binder course, various grades of pure bitumen can be utilised. The various grades of pure bitumen used in binder courses are listed in the table below.

    Penetration Grade Viscosity Grade
    30/40VG 10
    40/50VG 20
    60/70VG 30
    80/100VG 40 
    120/150
    Bitumen types for road layers

    Prime Coat – Bitumen types for road layers

    A prime coat is a coating that is applied directly to the base layer. The primary objective of utilising the prime coat is to improve the bond between the base layer and the asphalt mix layer. It also fills in the voids. A priming coat might aid in sealing the base layer. The bitumen in prime coatings is either CSS or CMS.

    Prime coats aid in reducing dust while protecting the granular base’s integrity throughout construction. In the event of a foundation that will be covered with a thin hot mix layer or a chip seal for a low-volume roadway, priming enables a good bond between the seal and the underlying surface, which might otherwise delaminate.

    A primary coat is primarily responsible for safeguarding the substrate of a construction project before applying additional layers. They can also function as a binder with secondary and tertiary compounds in the preparation of asphalt, improving the adherence of the layers. Following the prime coat, a tack coat is applied to provide an adhesive bond between the tack coat and the subsequent layer of coating. For asphalt prime coat systems, the tack coat is one of the most vital parts of the process, as it connects the subsequent layers and forms the base of those layers’ strength.

    Base Course

    The base course is placed directly on top of the subbase course. This layer has a higher permeability than the sub-base layer because it is composed primarily of coarse aggregates. Basically, the base course, which is the first layer in direct contact with traffic, moves the weights from the upper layers to the sub-base course. Different base courses used in pavement include sand or stone base, macadam base, and bitumen base.

    road-layers-of-flexible-pavement
    road-layers-of-flexible-pavement
    Bitumen types for road layers
    Bitumen types for road layers

    Sub Base Course

    The first layer of flexible pavement constructed on the ground is the sub-base course. This layer is typically composed of river sand, an alluvial cone, and broken rock. Bitumen and cement can be used to stabilise the sub-base soil.

    Sub Grade

    It is the surface upon which further pavement layers such as the sub-base course, base course, and asphalt layers are placed. The subgrade absorbs any load tension or weight that is transferred from the top levels. A good subgrade should be able to support weights for a considerable amount of time without deforming.

    Protective Asphalt

    Generally, Protective asphalts are used to seal the road surface and improve the asphalt temporarily. However, It should be noted that asphalt sealing can cause the asphalt to become more slippery. Pure bitumen with low humidity and soluble bitumen are both utilised in protective asphalt. Because of its quickness and ease of installation, protective asphalt is more cost-effective than hot asphalt. There are various varieties of protective asphalts, some of which are listed below:

    • Seal coat
    • Slurry seal
    • Chip seal
    • Micro-surfacing
    • Fog seal

    Seal coat

    A seal coat is used to provide a long-lasting surface texture and to keep the surface waterproof. However, this kind of protective asphalt can be made using a variety of emulsion bitumen types, including CSS-1, SS-1h, SS-l, and CSS-1h.

    Seal coat : Bitumen layer
    Seal coat : Bitumen layer
    Bitumen types for road layers

    Slurry Seal

    Generally, a slurry seal is used to lessen the harm done by bitumen oxidation. In the slurry seal, emulsion bitumen’s SS-1, SS-h1, CSS-1h, and CQS-1h are used. A slurry seal is appropriate for pavements with little to moderate damage, such as narrow cracks. However, it is not appropriate for severe damage such as holes.

    Chip Seal

    A chip seal is a thin protective surface that is applied to a pavement or subgrade. Water cannot easily seep through the base layer due to the chip seal. This layer also prevents freezing in areas where the temperature is below zero. Adding this layer improves the road’s reflectiveness for night-time driving. A rapid-setting emulsion containing a CRS-2, RS-2, HFRS-2, and PMB is the best type of bitumen for chip sealing.

    Micro Surfacing

    Micro-surfacing aids in the sealing of cracks and the protection of existing bituminous layers against surface voids and minor ruts. Among the benefits of adopting this layer are environmental compatibility, cost-effectiveness, and fast construction time. PMB bitumen’s such as PMCQS-1h, PMQS-1h, and CQS-1P are suited for it.

    Micro surfacing
    Micro surfacing

    Fog Seal

    A fog seal is intended to neutralize the oxidation process that occurs over time. This layer protects the pavement surface by leaving a hard layer. This layer employs emulsion bitumen such as SS-1, SS-1h, CSS-1, or CSS-1h.

    Key takeaways

    • Bitumen is crucial for flexible pavements in road construction.
    • Each pavement layer requires a different type of bitumen.
    • MC-30, CRS-1, and CRS-2 are used in tack coats for bonding layers.
    • Binder courses use penetration and viscosity grade bitumen like VG10–VG40.
    • Prime coats enhance adhesion between base and asphalt layers using CSS or CMS.
    • Base courses distribute traffic loads and can include macadam or bituminous bases.
    • Sub-base and subgrade layers form foundational support, often stabilized with bitumen or cement.
    • Protective asphalts like seal coats and micro-surfacing preserve road surfaces.
    • Emulsion types vary based on application needs.
    • PMB enhances performance in protective layers.

    Conclusion

    Bitumen types for road layers play a vital role in constructing durable and long-lasting roads. Each layer in flexible pavement—from subgrade to surface—demands a specific bitumen type tailored to its function and environmental conditions. Emulsion bitumen’s like CRS, SS, and CSS grades ensure proper bonding and waterproofing. Meanwhile, advanced types such as PMB (Polymer Modified Bitumen) provide improved durability and performance for protective layers like micro-surfacing and chip seals. Understanding the right bitumen type for each layer not only boosts road strength but also extends its lifespan. By choosing appropriate materials and applications, engineers can construct efficient road systems that perform reliably under varying load and weather conditions.