Civil Engineering Testing Laboratory ¡¤ SANAS T1018
+27 11 477 1045

Public test guide

Bitumen penetration

Measures the hardness or consistency of bitumen by the depth a standard needle enters under controlled conditions.

Plain-language explanation

What the test tells you.

The project specification controls the exact method and acceptance requirement.

01

What it is

A conditioned binder sample is penetrated by a standard needle for a specified time, load and temperature.

02

What is used

Prepared binder cup, penetration apparatus, standard needle, timing and temperature-control bath.

03

What it determines

Penetration depth in the method’s specified units.

04

Why it matters

Supports binder grading, quality control and comparison of recovered or supplied bitumen.

Typical test sequence

From sample
to result.

  1. 01

    Prepare and condition the binder surface

  2. 02

    Set the needle, load, time and temperature

  3. 03

    Take the required readings and report the average

Request this service

Need bitumen penetration?

Send the project, sample quantity, location and required completion date.
Scroll to Top