ASTM D 5: Bituminous Materials Penetration Test

What is the purpose of the penetration test?

What is the total weight of the needle and spindle assembly?

What is the material used to make the penetration needle?

What is the acceptable range of two test results for single-operator precision of asphalts at 77°F (25°C) below 50 penetration, units?

What is the angle of the axis of the plunger to the surface on which the sample container rests?

What is the weight of the spindle?

What is the purpose of the sample being melted and cooled under controlled conditions?

What is indicated by higher values of penetration?

What is the primary purpose of this test method?

What is the maximum penetration value that can be determined using this test method?

What units are considered standard for the values stated in this test method?

What is the responsibility of the user of this standard?

What is defined as the consistency of a bituminous material expressed as the distance in tenths of a millimeter?

Which of the following ASTM standards is referenced in this test method?

What is the purpose of ANSI standard B46.1?

What is the ISO standard referenced in this test method?

Standard Test Method for Penetration of Bituminous Materials

This standard is designated as D 5 and has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.
The standard covers the determination of the penetration of semi-solid and solid bituminous materials.

Scope

The test method determines the penetration of bituminous materials up to 500.
The values stated in SI units are considered standard.

Referenced Documents

ASTM Standards: C 670, D 36, E 1, and E 77
ANSI Standard: B46.1 Surface Texture
ISO Standard: ISO 468 Surface Roughness—Parameters, Their Values and General Rules for Specifying Requirements

Terminology

Penetration is defined as the consistency of a bituminous material expressed as the distance in tenths of a millimeter that a standard needle vertically penetrates a sample of the material under known conditions of loading, time, and temperature.

Test Method

The sample is melted and cooled under controlled conditions.
The penetration is measured with a penetrometer by means of which a standard needle is applied to the sample under specific conditions.

Significance and Use

The penetration test is used as a measure of consistency.
Higher values of penetration indicate softer consistency.

Apparatus

The penetration apparatus must permit the needle holder (spindle) to move vertically without measurable friction and be capable of indicating the depth of penetration to the nearest 0.1 mm.
The weight of the spindle must be 47.5 ± 0.05 g, and the total weight of the needle and spindle assembly must be 50.0 ± 0.05 g.
The surface on which the sample container rests must be flat, and the axis of the plunger must be at approximately 90° to this surface.
The spindle must be easily detached for checking its weight.
The penetration needle must be made from fully hardened and tempered stainless steel, Grade 440-C or equal.

This standard outlines the test method for penetration of bituminous materials. It provides guidelines for the year of original adoption or revision, and last reapproval.