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Introduction
Level 2 laboratory activities refer to the condition where only the problem is
guided and given. Students are required to find the ways & means and
provide the answers to the given assignment using the group creativity and
innovativeness. The activity will enable the students to appreciate
independent learning and prepare them for a much harder task of open
ended laboratory activities.
In this laboratory activity, students are encouraged to develop their
methodology and their critical analysis skills by analyzing and presenting
the experimental results appropriately.
Objectives
PREAMBLE
The objectives of the test are:
1. To determine the physical (stiffness and consistency), softening point
(temperature) and tensile properties of bituminous material specimen.
2. To deduce the penetration index (PI) value of the specimen.
Learning Outcomes
At the end of the laboratory activities, students would be able to:
1. Describe the physical properties of the bitumen.
2. Identify the softness temperature of bitumen.
3. Determine the critical distance deformation of asphaltic material
without breaking.
4. Identify the penetration index (PI) of the specimen.
Theoretical Background
The softening point is defined as the mean of the temperature at which the
bituminous material is softened and sagged downward at a distance of
25mm under the weight of steel ball. In general, with material of this type,
softening does not take place at the definite temperature. As the
temperature rises, the bituminous material gradually and imperceptibly
changes from brittle or exceedingly slow flowing material to softer and less
viscous. For this reason, the determination of the softening point must be
made by fixed, arbitrary and closely defined method if the results are to be
comparable (MS 687: 1995)
Malaysia is situated in the equatorial region and has a hot and wet weather
all year round. The types of bitumen to be used in asphalt mix for road
PROBLEM construction must be suitable for the high temperature in Malaysia. There is
STATEMENT
a need to conduct the penetration, softening point and ductility tests to
determine suitability of the bitumen to be used in Malaysia.
The group will be required to prepare the technical report of the laboratory
results highlighting the procedures of testing adopted, data acquisition
process, analysis carried out and the relevancy of the parameters obtain to
address the problem given.
RESULTS
Each group will be given 15 minutes to present the findings in class during
the 4th week after the start of the project.
In the presentation each group must present solutions to the problems that
may arise during the experimental hours in the lab.