Specific Gravity

Is the ratio of weight of the material to the

weight of an equal volume of water. The
test is a gauge to a uniformity of supply
of an asphalt. The values are used in
converting volumes to units of mass as
required in the standards and in sales
transactions. Its value is important in the
preparation of Job-mix formula.

Loss on heating
It is an accelerated test that determine
the loss in mass(exclusive of water) of oil
and asphaltic compounds(volatiles) when
heated and the change in penetration
caused by excessive heating.

Solubility
Determines the total amount of bitumen
present in the mixture, where the portion
of asphalt that is soluble in petroleum
solvent represents the active cementing
constituents

Spot Test
The test is applied only to asphaltic
products derived from petroleum and not
applicable to natural asphalts containing
non-bituminous matter soluble in xylene.
It will determine whether the asphalt is
properly prepared or overheated during
production.

Penetration
Is the distance or depth that a standard
needle will penetrate the sample at 5
seconds, at 5 degrees centigrade. It is
measured in 1/10 of a millimeter. The test
determines the relative hardness and
used to measure of consistency and as
basis in the classification of all solid and
semi-solid asphalt

Ductility test
Is measured by the distance to which it
will elongate before breaking when two
ends of a briquet with specimen are
pulled apart at a specified speed and
temperature. The higher the ductility, the
more adhesive the asphalt material.

Flashpoint
Measures the possibility of the sample to
form flammable mixture with air under
controlled laboratory conditions. It
indicates the temperature in which the
asphalt maybe heated without the danger
of catching fire. It is used as the criterion
in eliminating fire hazards.