If the two results differ by more than 1 °C (water bath), repeat the test.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\nCalculation & Reporting<\/h2>\n
Report the mean of the two temperatures to the nearest 0.2 °C (EN) or 0.5 °C with bath medium stated. Glycerol results read slightly higher and must not be compared directly with water-bath values.<\/p>\n
Acceptance Criteria<\/h2>\n
Typical paving bitumen: 60\/70 pen grade softens at 49–56 °C; 80\/100 at 45–52 °C; polymer-modified binders 60–80 °C. A softening point below spec signals over-softness and rutting risk at Malaysian pavement temperatures.<\/p>\n
Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\nHow does softening point relate to penetration?<\/h3>\n
Inversely \u2014 harder (low penetration) bitumen softens at higher temperature. The penetration index computed from both values indicates temperature susceptibility of the binder.<\/p>\n
Why must distilled, freshly boiled water be used?<\/h3>\n
Dissolved air forms bubbles on the bitumen surface during heating, insulating the disc and biasing the result high; salts change the heating profile. EN 1427 requires freshly boiled distilled water for that reason.<\/p>\n
Recommended Apparatus<\/h2>\n
NL Scientific manufactures the Semi Automatic Ring & Ball Softening Point Apparatus<\/a> for this method. Browse the full Bitumen & Asphalt Testing Equipment<\/a> range or request a quotation<\/a> from our engineers.<\/p>\n
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