Objective

For determination of ductility of distillation residue a  given bitumen. 

Reference Standard

IS : 1208-1978- Indian standard methods for testing tar and bituminous materials (Determination of ductility)

Equipment & Apparatus

• Briquette mould,
• Ductility machine with water bath and a pulling device
• A putty knife
• Thermometer 

Procedure

1. The bitumen sample is maintained to a pouring temperature (75°C to 100°C) and poured into the mould assembly and placed on a brass plate, where a solution of glycerin or soap solution is applied at all surfaces of briquette mould exposed to bitumen.
2. After the sample is poured to the mould, thirty to forty minutes the entire assembly is placed in a water bath at 27°C.
3. Then the sample is removed from the water bath maintained at 27°C and excess bitumen material is cutoff by leveling the surface using hot knife.
4. After trimming the specimen, the mould assembly containing sample is replaced in water bath maintained at 27°C for 85 to 95 minutes. Then the sides of mould are removed and the clips are carefully booked on the machine without causing any initial strain. Two or more specimens may be prepared in the moulds and clipped to the machine so as to conduct these test simultaneously.
5. The pointer is set to read zero. The machine is started and the two clips are thus pulled apart horizontally.
6. While the test is in operation, it is checked whether the sample is immersed in water at depth of at least 10 mm. 

Reports

The distance at which the bitumen thread of each specimen breaks is recorded (in cm) to report as ductility value.The average penetration value of 3 tests of a given bitumen sample is reported.

Safety & Precautions 

• Use hand gloves while removing containers from oven after switching off the oven.
• Carefully fill the mould avoid air pocket with right arrangement.
• Use glycerin for easily remove bitumen from the container.
• Use safety shoes & Apron at the time of test.
• Equipment should be cleaned thoroughly before testing & after testing.