Bitumen Testing

The test is applicable to hot mix designs using bitumen and aggregates upto a maximum size of 25mm. In this method, the resistance to plastic deformation of cylindrical specimen of bitumenous mixture is measured when the same is loaded at periphery at 5 cm per min. This test procedure is used in designing and evaluating bituminous paving mixes. The test procedure is extensively used in routine test programmes for paving jobs. There are two major features of the Marshall method of designing mixes namely, a) Density – voids analysis b) Stability – flow tests. The marshall stability of mix is defined as a maximum load carried by a compacted specimen at a standard test temperature of 60ºC. The flow value is deformation the marshal test specimen under goes during the loading up to the maximum load, 0.25 mm units. In this test and attempt is made to determine optimum binder content for the type of aggregate mix and traffic intensity.

The apparatus consists of :

• A loading unit motorized capacity 5000kgf with two telescopic pillars and an adjustable cross head. Limit switches are fitted inside to control upward or downward movement of the pillars. On-off reversing switch and indicator lamps are on the front side while a hand wheel to manually move the pillars is on the right. The load frame has fixed speed of 5.08cm per minute. Operated on 230 Volts A.C.
• 1 No. Compaction pedal with specimen mould holder.
• 2 Nos. Compaction Rammers, 4.5kg weight and free fall 45.7cm.
• 1 No. Breaking head assembly with provision to fix flowmeter.
• 3 Nos. Specimen mould 10.16cm I.D. x 7.6cm high with base plate and extension.

Bituminous surfaces exposed to varying temperature conditions undergo a great deal of expansion and contraction. Therefore, an important characteristic of the binder is its ductility and the degree of ductility has an effect on the cracking of bituminous surfaces caused by traffic stress. The ductility of bitumen is expressed as the distance in centimetres to which a standard briquette can be elongated before the thread thus formed breaks under specified conditions.

A molten bitumen sample is poured into a standard mould, allowed to cool to room temperature and then placed in a water bath so that the briquette can be brought to test temperature before mounting in the testing machine.

Designed to test three specimens simultaneously. The machine consists of a carriage moving over a lead screw. An electric motor driven reduction gear unit ensures smooth constant speed and continuous operation. The entire assembly is mounted with a stainless steel lined water bath completely encased in metal bound hardwood. It is equipped with an electric pump circulator and heater. The temperature is controlled thermostatically. Two rates of travel i.e. 5 cm/min and 1 cm/min are provided. Suitable for operation on 230 V, 50 Hz, Single Phase, A.C. supply.

Hand Driven Operated
The Instrument is used for determination and checking of Bitumen percentage in Bituminous mix, the mix is added with a solvent and dissolved bitumen is removed by centrifugal action. Consists of a removable Aluminum rotor bowl, Capacity 1500 gms. With a cap and tightening nut. The bowl assembly is mounted on a vertical shaft, which protrudes from a cast housing. This shaft and thus the bowl is rotated fast manually by enclosed gears in the cast body and handle. Solvent is introduced during the test through the holes in the cap of the housing. A drain is provided to collect dissolved Bitumen coming out of the rotating bowl and getting collected in the housing.

Electrically Driven Operated
Centrifuge Extractor, Electrical Operation, Capacity 1500g, with a Dimmer stat for speed control from 2,400 to 3,600 rpm. Suitable for operation on 230 V, 50 Hz, Single Phase, A.C. supply.

Used to determine grade of bitumen. The penetration tests determine consistency of bitumen for the purpose of grading. Depth in units 1/10 of millimeter to which a standard needle having a standard weight will penetrate vertically in a duration of five seconds at a temperature of 25°C determines penetration for gradation.

Specification:
It consists of a vertical pillar mounted on a base provided with leveling screws. The head, together with dial plunger rod a cone (or needle) slides on a pillar and can be clamped at any desired height. A rack and pinion and pointer assemble provides fine adjustment of needle or cone tip to sample. It incorporates a clutch mechanism. Which makes reading of penetration and subsequent resetting a simple and accurate operation? The dial is graduated in 400 1/10 and the millimeter subdivisions and the needle pointer against figures makes easy reading.Supplied with a bitumen penetration needle, ring weight one each 50 gms. and 100 gms. two sample containers.

This apparatus is used to determine Softening point of Bitumen. It is that temperature at which a sample of bituminous material loaded by a 9.5mm dia steel ball, drops a specified distance when heated under specified conditions.

Specification:
The apparatus consists of steel bracket with a sliding plate support. That support has two holes of 10mm dia on which a ring and ball guide can be kept. A central hole on this plate is for inserting thermometer. Supplied with a glass beaker approximate 600ml, high and a hand stirrer and 2 Nos. 9.5mm dia steel balls.

As per IP 71 and IS 1206 standards. It is used for determination the viscosity of road oils and cut back bitumen. It consists of S.S. bath with cup of 10mm or 4mm orifice and sleeve, stirrer with lifting clip and ball. The assembly kept on suitable stand with leveling screws. Suitable to operate on 220 volts AC mains.

• Electrical heating with energy regulator control
• Electrical heating with voltage varrier control (copper coil)

The index engineering company has on offer many variants of the highly sophisticated digital theodolite. Our organization comes involved in the fabrication of the mostly used digital theodolite that comprises of sophisticated electro-optical distance gauging devices. Our units and outputs come available in various standard infrared version that fecilitate the gauging of 3D vectors.

Automatic Compactor for Bituminous Mixes. The Automatic Compactor eliminates the laborious process of manual compaction and an even degree of compaction is achieved. The driven mechanism lifts the weight of 4.5kg and drops it through a correct height of 457 mm. The rammer foot is removable, which facilitates preheating. A compaction pedestal with specimen holder is fixed to the base. An Automatic Blow counter enables the number of blows to be present before each test and automatically stops the machine on completion. Suitable for operation on 230 V, 50 Hz, Single Phase, A.C. supply.

Electrically operated, fitted with heating jacket for thorough mixing of Bitumen. The mixer is operated by 0.5 HP single phase electric motor connected to epicyclical type stainless steel paddle to impart both planetary and revolving motion for uniform mixing. Mixer blade has low speed of 140 + 5 rpm and medium speed of 285 + 10 rpm, while it also has a planetary movement of 62 + 5 rpm in low range and planetary movement of 125 + 10 rpm in medium range. A stainless steel bowl of approx. 5 ltr capacities with handle is also supplied. The 500 Watts heating jacket with energy regulator to control the temp. is fitted below the bowl. Complete unit is supported on a strong iron frame. Suitable to work on 220V, 50 Hz, AC single phase.