BITUMENOUS MATERIAL
Module 3 Overview:
Before the 20 th century, road was constructed using
water bound and graded aggregates as per the principle
BITUMEN developed by Macadam. These roads produced large
amount of dust raised by the horse-drawn traffic in towns.
This led to the use of binding material on road surface to
prevent pollution of dust particles in the air with materials
such as bitumen.
CE104 Learning Outcomes:
Construction At the end of this module, you should be able to:
Materials & 1. Know the different types of bitumen.
Testing 2.
3.
Know
Know
the
the
properties of asphalt.
different kinds of asphalt; and
4. Know the different test on asphalt.
Engr. Luis Alfonso R. Tanchico
Special Lecturer BITUMEN:
Cel # 09169121330
latanchico@[Link] Bituminous Materials (bitumen) – are sticky, brown
to black colored, solid, semi-solid, or viscous cementitious
(binder) natural or manufactured, and is composed of
hydrogen and carbon combination (hydrocarbon). They are
usually fairly hard at normal temperature, and when heated, they soften and flow. They are
commonly used in pavement construction, when mixed with aggregates in their fluid state, and
then allowed to cool, they solidify and bind aggregates together forming a bituminous cement
pavement surface.
There are three most common types of bitumen:
1. Tars - are residues obtained from the destructive distillation of organic substances such as
coal, wood, or shale by heating it in the absence of air.
2. Pitches – are obtained through further processing of tar.
3. Asphalts - are found in nature or as a residue in petroleum refining. It consists chiefly of
high molecular weight hydrocarbons in the form of asphaltenes, others in the form of resins
and still others in the form of oils. It is soluble in carbon disulphide.
The first bituminous material used in road surface was tar. Tars are temperature sensitive.
It would act as a dressing to coat the surface of the road. It is well suited for the purpose, as it can
be made semi-fluid and sprayed accordingly. This on cooling, will get stiffed and protect the road
from water attacks. The tar coated road was called Tar-Macadam (tarmac).
In 1913, asphalt was used in the oil fields refinery in Mexico, later in the 1920’s, the Shell
Haven Refinery was the one who has the role in bringing the asphalt in road construction replacing
tar.
Asphalt is derived from the Greek word “asphaltos” which means to secure or to keep from
falling, in other words to stick. The word “asphalt” and “bitumen” are now commonly used
interchangeably.
The use of asphalt was initially limited to road pavement construction and as a road crack
filler. Nowadays, because of its properties, the application has spread over the areas of roof
construction, special coating for water proofing, industrial purposes such as carpet, wallpaper,
tiles, and paints manufacturing.
Properties of Asphalt:
1. Adhesive – it binds together all the components(aggregates) without bringing about any
positive or negative in their properties.
2. Cohesive – it holds all the components (aggregates) particles firmly.
3. Waterproof – it is insoluble in water and can serve as an effective sealant.
4. Strong – though the coarse aggregates are the main load bearing component in an asphalt
pavement, asphalt play a vital role in the distribution of traffic load to the layers beneath.
5. Durable – it lives up to 20 years if maintained properly throughout the pavement life.
6. Versatile – it is a relatively easy to use material because of its “thermoplastic property”. It
can be spread easily along the underlying pavement layers as if liquifies when heated
making the job easier and harden in a solid mass when cooled.
7. Economical – it is available in cheaper rates almost all over the world.
Kinds of Asphalt:
1. Natural Asphalt:
a. Natural Rock Asphalt –. are rock deposits containing bituminous materials.
b. Native Asphalts or Deposit Asphalts – are obtained from asphalt lakes (in Trinidad and
other Caribbean areas).
2. Manufactured Asphalt:
Manufactured asphalt is the residue or by-product when crude petroleum is refined. A
wide variety of processes, such as the straight distillation process, solvent extraction
process etc. may be used to produce asphalt of different consistency and other desirable
properties. Depending on the source and characteristics of crude oil and the properties of
asphalt required, more than one processing method may be required.
a. Asphalt Cement or Hot Asphalt -contains 99% pure bitumen and 1% impurities. It is in
solid to semi-solid consistency, odorless and black in color, Its Penetration Grade is
between 40 to 300.
b. Liquid Asphalt – are asphalt in liquid form generally prepared by cutting back or blending
asphalt cement with petroleum distillates or by emulsifying them with water. It is soft and
fluid in consistency and is viscosity graded.
Kinds of Liquid Asphalt:
1. Cutback Asphalt – asphalt cement that has been liquified by blending it with
petroleum solvent (diluents) usually at a minimum of 55% of asphalt cement. It is
liquid at room temperature, black in color, has the smell of petroleum solvent such as
gasoline, kerosene, and non-volatile or slowly volatile oil. Upon exposure to the
atmosphere, the solvents evaporate, allowing the asphalt to harden.
Liquid asphalt is farther classified as:
a. Rapid-Curing – is a combination asphalt cement and of light diluent of high
volatility, generally gasoline or naphtha with boiling point (RC -70, 250, 800,
3000). It is designed to react quicky primarily for spray applications.
b. Medium-Curing – is a combination of asphalt cement and of medium distillate of
intermediate volatility, generally kerosene with boiling point (MC- 30, 70, 250, 800,
3000). It is designed for mixing aggregates, because this grades does not break
immediately upon contact with aggregates, mixes using them and can remain
workable for extended periods of time and lend themselves to cold mix stockpile.
It is used in prime coating, stockpile patching materials, and mixing operations.
c. Slow-Curing – is a combination of asphalt cement and oils of low volatility,
generally in the heavy distillate range (SC – 70, 250, 800, 3000). It is often called
road oils and are primarily used in road mixing and dust-laying applications. This
term originated in the early days when asphalt residual oil was used to give roads
a low-cost, all weather surface. It is used primarily in prime coating, stockpiling,
and road mixing.
2. Emulsified Asphalt or Asphalt Emulsion – is an emulsion of small asphalt cement
globules in water, which is assisted by an emulsifying agent or surfactant (such as
soap). The emulsifying agent assist by imparting an electrical charge to the surface of
the asphalt cement globules so that they do not coalesce. The choice of emulsifier
depends upon the ionic nature of the mix. It is usually composed of about 55-70%
asphalt cement, 30-45% water and 1-2% emulsifier. Sometimes, additional
ingredients, including latex, polymers, acids, and other additives are fed into the
emulsion to further modify its physical characteristics.
It is excellent with wet aggregates, because the water medium carries the asphalt
into a superior contact with particle surface. It is an alternate to cutback asphalt for
energy and environmental objectives. It is used as tack coats, fog seals, slurry seal,
and bituminous surface treatment.
Types of Emulsified Asphalt:
a. Anionic Emulsified Asphalt – it has an electro-negatively charged asphalt globules
that is used for limestone or calcareous aggregates. It has setting time (Rapid
Setting RS – 1, 2, HFRS2, Medium Setting MS – 1, 2, 2h, HFMS-1, 2, 2h, and
Slow Setting SS – 1, 2, HFMS- 2S).
b. Cationic Emulsified Asphalt – it is an electro-positively charged asphalt globules
that is used for silica-sand or silicious aggregates. It has setting time (Rapid
Setting CRS – 1, 2, Medium Setting CMS – 2, 2h, Slow Setting CSS – 1, 1b).
3. Blown or Oxidized Asphalt – asphalt that has been treated by blowing air through it at
an elevated temperature to give the material characteristics which are desired for
certain special uses. While this process is often called oxidation, there are more
reactions going on during the air blowing process. Some of these reactions include
dehydrogenation, condensation, polymerization and many others.
Oxidized asphalt is commonly used as joint filler, roofing material, pipe coating,
undercoating for PCCP, waterproofing, sound dampening felts, anti-slip coatings, etc.
Its common paving grades are (5/25, 85/25, 90/40, and 15/15).
One of the more interesting features of blown asphalt is its high softening point.
this means that it can remain in place longer and it retains the additional durability
during elevated temperature as well. It is more flexible that is why it is often used as
roofing products such as shingles.
Tests on Bitumen to Check Quality and Properties for Pavement:
To ensure the quality of bitumen several tests are performed which are as follows:
Test on Bituminous (Asphaltic) Material:
1. Specific Gravity Test 9. Distillation Test
2. Water Content Test 10. Cement Mixing Test
3. Float Test 11. Sieve Test
4. Loss on Heating Test 12. Storage Stability Test
5. Softening Point Test 13. Penetration Test
6. Spot Test 14. Ductility Test
7. Viscosity test 15. Solubility Test
8. Flash point and Fire point Test
Test on Cutback Asphalt: Test on Emulsified Asphalt:
1. Viscosity 1. Viscosity
2. Flash point 2. Distillation
3. Distillation 3. Cement Mixing
4. Penetration 4. Sieve Test
5. Ductility 5. Storage Stability
6. Solubility 6. Penetration
7. Spot Test 7. Ductility
[Link]
1. Specific Gravity Test on Bitumen
Specific gravity of bitumen is the ratio of mass of given volume of bitumen to the mass of
equal volume of water at specified temperature. Specific gravity is the good indicator of quality
of binder, it gauges the uniformity of supply of bitumen (if it is adulterated or diluted. The value
is used for establishing asphalt mix design (job mix formula) and is useful in making volume
correction when measurements are made in at an elevated temperature. It can be determined
by pycnometer method.
In this method, take clean and dry specific gravity bottle and take its weight(w1).in the
2nd case, fill the bottle with distilled water and dip it in water bath for 30 minutes and note down
the weight(w2). Next, fill half the bottle with bitumen sample and weigh (w3).
Finally fill the bottle with half water and half portion with bitumen and weigh (w4). Now we
can find out specific gravity from the formula.
2. Water Content Test on Bitumen
When bitumen is heated above the boiling point of water, sometimes foaming of bitumen
occurs. To prevent this bitumen should have minimum water content in it. Water content in
bitumen is determined by dean and stark method. In this method, the bitumen sample is kept
in 500ml heat resistant glass container.
Container is heated to just above the boiling point of water. The evaporated water is
condensed and collected. This collected water is expressed in terms of mass percentage of
sample. It should not more than 0.2% by weight.
3. Float Tests on Bitumen
Float test is used to determine the consistency of
bitumen. But we generally use penetration test and
viscosity test to find out the consistency of bitumen
except for certain range of consistencies. The float
test apparatus consists of aluminum float and brass collars
as shown in below figure.
These collars are filled with melted bitumen sample
o
and cooled to 5 C and then attached them into aluminum floats and this assembly is placed in
water bath at a temperature of 50 oC. Note down the time in seconds from the instant the float
is put on the water bath until the water breaks the material and enters the float.
4. Loss on Heating Tests on Bitumen
Loss on Heating Test on bitumen is an accelerated test to measure the loss of volatile
compounds in the bitumen. When the bitumen is heated, water content present in the bitumen
is evaporated and bitumen becomes brittle which can be damaged easily.
So, to know the amount of loss, we will perform this test. In this test, take the bitumen
sample and note down its weight to 0.01gm accuracy at room temperature. Then place the
sample in oven and heat it for 5 hours at 163 oC. After that take out the sample and cooled it to
room temperature and take the weight to 0.01gm accuracy and note down the value. Then for
the two values of weight before and after heating we can compute the loss of mass. The loss
should be less than 5% of total weight otherwise it is not preferred for construction.
5. Softening Point Test on Bitumen
Softening point of bitumen indicates the point at which bitumen attains a particular degree
of softening under specified conditions of the test. Take small amount of bitumen sample and
heat it up to 75-100oC. Ring and ball apparatus is used to conduct this test. Heat the rings and
apply glycerin to prevent from sticking. Fill this rings with bitumen and remove the excess
material with hot sharp knife.
Assemble the apparatus parts, balls are arranged in guided position that is on the top of
bitumen sample. And fill the beaker with boiled distilled water. Then apply temperature @ 5 oC
per minute. At certain temperature bitumen softens and ball slowly move downwards and
touches the bottom plate, this point is noted as softening point.
6. Spot Test
Spot test is used to determine whether the asphalt cement is damaged due to overheating
during production. This damage can cause “cracking” because the actual molecules ate
thermally broken apart. Cracked asphalt cements tends to be less ductile and more
susceptible to aging effects.
Basically, spot test is a form of paper chromatography (a method for analyzing complex
mixtures by separating them into the chemicals forms which they are made). A drop of the
solvent mixture (asphalt dispersed in a 25% heptane-xylene solution) in a filter paper. If the
spot formed is uniformly brown, then the test is “negative” (not overheated). If the spot formed
is brown or yellowish-brown circular stain with a darker solid annular nucleus or a black
center, then the test is “positive” (overheated).
Since modern refining practices rarely cause cracking, the spot test is not often specified.
7. Viscosity Test on Bitumen
Viscosity is the property of bitumen which influences the ability of bitumen to spread,
penetrate into the voids, and also coat the aggregates. It is the measure of fluidity or liquidity
of bitumen. It determines the flow characteristics of bitumen in the range of temperature during
application. If viscosity of bitumen is higher, the compactive effort of bitumen reduces and
heterogeneous mixture arises.
If viscosity is lower, then it will lubricate the aggregate particles. Viscosity is determined by
using viscometer (for Cutback Asphalt, Kinematic Viscosity using Zeitfuchs Cross-arm
Vscometer and for Emulsified Asphalt, Saybolt Viscosity using Saybolt Viscometer). The
viscosity of bitumen is expressed in seconds is the time required amount (ml) of bitumen
sample to flow through the calibrated capillary glass (cutback asphalt) and orifice of a cup
(emulsified asphalt), under standard conditions of test and at specified temperature.
Kinematic Viscosity Saybolt
Viscosity
8. Flash and Fire Point Tests on Bitumen
Flash point of bitumen is defined as the point of lowest temperature at which bitumen
catches vapors of test flame and fires in the form of flash. Fire point of bitumen is defined as
the point of lowest temperature at which the bitumen ignites and burns at least for 5 second
under specific conditions of test.
Flash point indicates the safe heating temperature in which the material maybe safely
heated without damage or of instantaneous flash of (catching fire or explodes) in the presence
of an open flame.
Flash and fire point test helps to control fire accidents in bitumen coated areas.. By this test
we can decide the bitumen grade with respect to temperature for particular areas of high
temperatures.
9. Distillation Test
Distillation Test is the process used to separate mixtures of liquids by exploiting the boiling
points of different components. It is used to find out the quantity and quality of volatile
constituents in liquid bitumen. It measures the amount of distils of various temperatures,
denoting its evaporation/volatility characteristics, this in turn, indicates the relative rate at which
material will “cure” after application.
200 ml of the sample of the liquid bitumen is distilled in a 500ml flask at a controlled rate to a
temperature of 360 degrees centigrade and the volume of the distillate obtained at specified
temperatures are measured.
10. Cement Mixing Test (Emulsified Asphalt)
Cement mixing test determines the resistance of the emulsion to breakdown on the job. It
determines the rate at which the emulsion will break when in contact with soil or mineral
aggregates
Cement mixing test is conducted by using a 55 grams of mineral aggregate (Portland
cement) is mixed with a 100 ml of the emulsion which is diluted with water to a residue of
55%, as determined by distillation test. The degree of breakdown or percentage breakdown is
determined using the amount of residue.
11. Sieve Test (Emulsified Asphalt)
Sieve Test determines quantitatively the presence of larger globules of asphalt in the
emulsion. Such globules do not provide thin and uniform coatings of asphalt on the aggregate
particles. It determines whether the emulsion has properly emulsified (properly mixed).
It is conducted by pouring a 1000 grams of emulsified asphalt through sieve #20. The
sample that passes through the sieve and is retained on the pan is then oven dried to a
constant temperature and weighed after cooling. The weight in percent of sample retained is
then taken by dividing the weight of residue by the original weight of the sample.
12. Storage Stability Test (Emulsified Asphalt)
Storage Stability Test determined the tendency of asphalt globules in the emulsion to
“settle out” during storage. It measures the permanence of the dispersion as related to time.
It is conducted by placing a specified sample to a glass cylinder with cover and allowing it
to stand undisturbed for 24 hours. By heating it at 163 oC for an hour and weighing after it
cools, the specified amount of sample from the top and bottom of the emulsion is taken, the
storage stability is the determined. It is the numerical difference in the asphalt content of the
top and bottom samples.
13. Penetration Test on Bitumen
The Penetration Test on Bitumen determines the relative harness or consistency of
bitumen. The penetration value of bitumen is measured by distance in tenths of mm that a
standard needle would penetrate vertically into bitumen sample under standard conditions of
test. By this test we can determine the hardness or softness value of bitumen.
In this test, firstly heat the bitumen above its softening point and pour it into a container of
depth attest 15mm. bitumen should be stirred wisely to remove air bubbles. Then cool it to
room temperature for 90 minutes and then placed it in water bath for 90 minutes. Then place
the container in penetration machine, adjust the needle to make contact with surface of
sample. Make dial reading zero and release the needle for exactly 5 seconds and note down
the penetration value of needle for that 5 seconds. Just repeat the procedure thrice and note
down the average value.
1. Ductility Tests on Bitumen
The property of bitumen which allows it to undergo deformation or elongation, called ductility
of bitumen. It is the measure of the ability of bitumen to stretch without breaking. It is a gauge to
the adhesiveness of bitumen, the higher the ductility, the more adhesive the bitumen. The
ductility of bitumen is measured by the distance in centimeter, to which the bitumen sample will
elongate before breaking when it is pulled by standard specimen at specified speed and
temperature.
Firstly, the bitumen sample is heated to 75-100 oC and melted completely. This is poured into
the assembled mold which is placed on brass plate. To prevent sticking the mold and plate are
coated with glycerin and dextrin. After filling the mold, placed it in room temperature for 30-40
minutes and then placed it in water for 30 minutes. Then take it out and cut the excess amount
of bitumen with the help of hot knife and level the surface. Then place the whole assembly in
water bath of ductility machine for 85 to 95 minutes. Then detach the brass plate and the hooks
of mold are fixed to machine and operate the machine.
The machine pulls the two clips of the mold horizontally and then bitumen elongates. The
distance up to the point of breaking from the starting point is noted as ductility value of bitumen.
The minimum value should be 75cm.
Summary:
Bituminous Materials (bitumen) – are sticky, brown to black colored, solid, semi-solid, or
viscous cementitious (binder) natural or manufactured, and is composed of hydrogen and carbon
combination (hydrocarbon). They are usually fairly hard at normal temperature, and when heated,
they soften and flow. They are commonly used in pavement construction, when mixed with
aggregates in their fluid state, and then allowed to cool, they solidify and bind aggregates together
forming a bituminous cement pavement surface.
To ensure the quality of bitumen several tests are performed which are as follows:
Test on Bituminous (Asphaltic) Material:
2. Specific Gravity Test 9. Distillation Test
3. Water Content Test 10. Cement Mixing Test
4. Float Test 11. Sieve Test
5. Loss on Heating Test 12. Storage Stability Test
6. Softening Point Test 13. Penetration Test
7. Spot Test 14. Ductility Test
8. Viscosity test 15. Solubility Test
9. Flash point and Fire point Test
Feedback:
Prior to this learning module, you may think of bitumen or asphalt is only used
in road pavement overlays and as road crack filler. You might not even think that it
is used nowadays, over the areas of roof construction (asphalt shingles), special coating for
water proofing, industrial purposes such as carpet, wallpaper, tiles, and paint manufacturing.
Upon learning things in this module, you must already have a grasp of how
bitumen play an important role in civil engineering, specifically, in civil works
construction. In the succeeding learning modules, we will discuss the other
important materials used in construction and the test needed to assure its quality.
Suggested Reading:
Topics on Bitumen in;
Simplified Methods on Building Construction, M. B. Fajardo Jr., 2001
Elements of Roads and Highways, M. B. Fajardo Jr., 2002
References:
DPWH Standard Specification 1988
DPWH Testing Manual 1988
Simplified Methods on Building Construction, M. B. Fajardo Jr., 2001
Elements of Roads and Highways, M. B. Fajardo Jr., 2002
Learning Activity:
1. Try to see in your neighborhood if you can find a road surface with asphalt overlay. Take
note of what you have observed.
2. Try to look for other materials in your home or in your neighborhood other materials
made of asphalt. Make a list if you can find some.
Learning Exercises:
1. _______________ is an asphalt cement which has been liquefied by blending with petroleum
solvents (diluents).
2. _______________ a type of cutback asphalt with gasoline as solvent.
3. _______________ contains electro-negatively charged asphalt globules.
4. _______________ is a type of asphalt cement used for lime stone or calcareous aggregates.
5. ______________ is a type of asphalt that is treated by blowing air through it at an elevated
temperature.
6. ______________ is a test on asphalt that determines its bitumen content that is soluble in trichloroethylene.
7. ______________ is a test on cutback asphalt which determines the rate of loss of volatile compounds when
heated.
8. ______________ is a test on asphalt that determines if the asphalt is overheated during production.
9. ______________ is a test on asphalt which measures the ability of asphalt to stretch without breaking.
10. ______________ is a test on asphalt that measures the resistance of cutback asphalt to flow using a
Zeitfuchs Cross Arm meter.
