Humboldt H-1050 Ductility Machine - Manual (Page 3)

General
The ductility test is a measure of the distance to which a bituminous material
will elongate before breaking when two ends of a standard specimen are pulled
apart at a uniform rate.
The suggested method of test is covered by ASTM D113 and AASHTO T51. In
the absence of any specified variations in the test method, the test procedure as
outlined in these instructions maybe followed.
Installation
These units are shipped complete, ready for operation. Standard units are
supplied for operation on 110 volt, 60 cycles, A.C. operation. Be sure the line
cord is plugged into the proper-grounded electrical outlet. The unit should
be leveled and mounted on a flat surface. For best results the unit should be
mounted on four rubber pads.
Sample Preparation
1. Unless otherwise specified the test should be conducted at a temperature of
25± 0.5°C (77± 0.9°F) and with a speed of 5 cm per minute ± 5.0 percent.
When a low-temperature ductility test is desired, the test should be made at
a temperature of 4°C (39.2°F) and at a rate of pull or 1 cm per minute.
2. Assemble the mold on the brass plate. To prevent the material under test
from sticking, it is suggested that the surface of the plate and interior
surfaces of the sides of the mold be thoroughly amalgamated. Make sure
the plate is perfectly flat and level so that bottom surface of the mold will
touch it throughout.
3. Completely melt the bituminous material to be tested until thoroughly fluid
by heating it in an oil bath maintained at the minimum temperature needed
to properly liquefy the sample, when paving asphalt cements are to be
tested, the oil bath should be maintained at a temperature of 150 to 160°C
(302 to 320°F).
4. Strain the melted sample through a No. 50 sieve. After stirring thoroughly,
pour into the mold, taking care not to disarrange the parts of the mold. Pour
the material back and forth in a thin stream from end to end of the mold
until the mold is more than level full.
5. Allow the mold containing the material to cool to room temperature
for a period of 30 to 40 minutes. Then place the mold in the water bath
maintained at the specified temperature of test for 30 minutes. Cut off the
excess bitumen with a hot straight edged knife or spatula to make the mold
level full.
6. Place the brass plate and mold, with the briquette specimen, in the water
bath and keep them at the specified temperature for a period of from 85 to
95 minutes. After the elapsed period of time, remove the briquette from the
plate, detach the side pieces, and immediately test the briquette.