DOES SANS 307 GUARANTEE FIT-FOR-PURPOSE ROAD BITUMENS?

A CRITICAL EVALUATION OF COMPLIANCE AND PERFORMANCE OF PENETRATION

GRADE BITUMENS TESTED AT CSIR-TRANSPORTEK SINCE 1995.
Lead Author:
Co-author:

1.

E J van Assen, CSIR-Transportek, Pretoria

M Vlok, CSIR-Transportek, Pretoria
J O Connell, CSIR-Transportek, Pretoria

Summary

Amendments to SANS 307 are reviewed in this paper from a critical evaluation of compliance
and performance of penetration grade bitumens tested at CSIR-Transportek since 1995.
Salient properties of bitumen produced from 1985 to 2003 are chronologically compared
within the relevant specified framework.
In order to comply with these amendments the bitumen appears to have changed somewhat
over the last three decades. Since SABS 307 (1992) specified both viscosity and penetration,
the most obvious change noted was a tendency toward decreasing viscosity, especially at
60C. The lower viscosity appears to be related to a slight decrease in asphaltene content
over the same period.
In terms of performance these small changes could indicate a small trade-off to favour
durability versus stability.
In all bitumens tested in the CSIR-Transportek laboratory, the properties of ex-refinery
bitumens complied with the specified requirements. Results were within a relatively narrow
band. These bitumens appear to have been fairly consistent over the years with regard to
penetration and softening point. However there appears to be a tendency towards the
production of bitumen with lower viscosities (60C). This trend was also noticed in the rutting
parameter compliance where current 60/70 bitumens on average comply with the 58C
maximum whereas earlier bitumen tended to comply with the 64C requirement. The sample
analysed since 2000 is however too small to make any definite deductions in this regard at
this stage. Therefore, within the framework of properties appropriate for engineering road
materials, these products appeared to be of consistent and reliable quality.
Contaminated bitumen samples taken from tankers and site storage tanks in Southern Africa,
raised concern. Some of these results have been used as examples to test the effectiveness
and ability of the current specification requirements to identify cut back bitumen readily. The
case studies of laboratory investigations of asphalt failures indicated that application of the
relevant bitumen specifications could be used effectively as a safeguard in the asphalt
industry to ensure quality and consistency. Implementation of specifications and managing
the quality chain throughout (from refinery to application on the road) appear to be more
urgently in need of redress than the yardstick.
Since SANS 307 is already a dual specification, including both penetration and viscosity
grading, there could be a case for a user specifications menu with guidelines for a dedicated
regime for specific requirements and applications (Fit for Purpose specifications). These user
specific requirements should, however, be based on sound principles and appropriate ranges
before any negotiation with suppliers.

2.

Background and overview

Since bitumen was first used commercially for asphalt roads up to now, procuring bitumen of
appropriate quality and consistency has been a major issue for the asphalt industry.
It is stated in Trinidad Asphalt Roads2), published by Trinidad Lake Asphalt Limited (TLA),
London 1939 that: "Throughout the Empire the task of providing road surfaces adequate for
modern motor transport..asphalt remains the pre-eminently superior binding agent
function is to hold particles in place give strength and resilience to composite mass."
According to TLA the best efforts to produce bitumen synthetically (by petroleum refiners)
have not yielded material equal in quality to TLA which, through aeons of natural seasoning
has attained a state of chemical stability and uniformity of composition (for which TLA is
esteemed in road construction) which is unapproachable through any known brief process of
heat treatment.
The performance properties of road bitumen should cater for both construction requirements
(i.e. viscosity for ease of application, etc) as well as road performance (i.e. optimisation of
stability and fatigue properties). Early failures (i.e. premature cracking and ravelling on the
one hand, and rutting, shoving and bleeding on the other) are often ascribed to bitumen
shortcomings or alternatively to shortcomings of the specification if the bitumen allegedly used
complied with the relevant specification. Often in these disputes a verifiable reference sample
is not available, which makes it very difficult to vindicate or repudiate these suspicions.
The same concerns have been mentioned in the HMA project document, i.e. that variation
within specified ranges causes asphalt to behave differently during manufacture and
construction.
A national specification therefore has to address many and varied issues which will satisfy the
needs of the asphalt industry (i.e. consistent quality bitumens) but, at the same time, bitumen
which can be produced reasonably economically from available resources. Furthermore the
specification would be required to select appropriate properties that are easily measurable,
and ranges for these properties that will ensure fairly consistent bitumen products to the
asphalt industry.
In order to evaluate the efficacy of SABS/SANS307 to deliver products within this mandate
the specification was extensively reviewed in 19961). The review included commentary from
international bitumen experts and comparisons with international specifications. The
recommendations, which were deemed at that time to be optimal ranges, are indicated in the
historical overview of the specifications and some of these recommendations were
subsequently incorporated in follow-up amendments. Where applicable, these have been
included in this review in the tables giving the properties of 60/70 and 80/100 penetration
grade bitumen (cf. Tables 1 and 2).
Properties used in national specifications should be easily measurable but still ensure good
compositional balance and acceptable potential long-term performance of bitumen. However,
since a national specification needs to recognize the practical and economical implications
relevant to the local producers of road bitumen, both properties and ranges, which will be
acceptable to all stakeholders, tend to be rather inclusive than exclusive. Apart from absolute
quality, consistency of bitumen delivered to the asphalt industry is of most importance in order
to deliver acceptable quality economically.
The objective of this paper is to investigate the ability of SABS 307 to deliver on its mandate.
Only results obtained in the CSIR-Transportek laboratory are reflected. Although some

categories of property ranges reported were derived from a small and probably not
representative number of samples, they serve as examples to measure the capability of
SABS 307 to discriminate between acceptable and unacceptable bitumen. The intention of
this paper is therefore to address the following questions:
To what extent is property compliance a safeguard to ensure that at least one of the
asphalts components can be used with confidence;
Are the ranges appropriate to ensure consistency and uniformity; and
Where do things (those that can definitely be attributed to bitumen properties, partially
or wholly) go wrong and can the specifications detect adulterated products?
3.

Thirty years of SABS/SANS307

Properties and ranges specified over the past 30 years for 60/70 and 80/100 penetration
grade bitumen are summarized in Tables 1a and 1b respectively. The ductility is not given
since it is not a currently specified property. On the other hand, asphaltene (in n-hexane)
ranges determined over corresponding time periods have been included. The actual ranges,
as determined in the CSIR-Transportek laboratory, for specified properties are compared in
Tables 2a and 2b for these two penetration grades.
Table 1a: SABS 307 requirements for 60/70 penetration grade bitumen
Amendt - Year
Pen
Soft. Pt.
Visc 60
Visc 135
LOH, max
R visc %
Soft. Pt min
Inc Soft pt
Ret pen
Ret pen %
Spot test
Asphal orig**
Asphal RTFO**
Rutting (C)
Fatigue (C)

1972
60-70
46-56
n/a
n/a
0,8
n/a
n/a

2 - 1992
Report
Report
140 - 240
0,35 min
0,5
250 max
Report

3 - 1994
Report
Report
105 - 165
0,22 min
0,5
300 max
Report

55 min
35 max

55 min
30 max
9 - 19
12 - 22

55 min
30 max

4 - 1995
60-70
46-56
105 - 250*
0,22 min
0,5
300 max
Report
Report
33 min
55 min
30 max

5 - 1997
60-70
46-56
120-250
0,22 - 0,45
0,5
300 max
48
9 max
33 min
55 min
30 max
12 - 14
14 - 16
58 - 64
16 - 22

Current
Recom.#
60-70
46-56
120-250
160 - 240
0,22 - 0,45
0,30-1
0,5
300 max
48
48
9 max
5,5
33 min
55 min
30 max
15-30
9 -14
12 - 17
Superpave
58
16 - 22
Superpave

Table 1b: SABS 307 requirements for 80/100 penetration grade bitumen
Grade
Amendt - Year
Pen
Soft. Pt.
Visc 60
Visc 135
LOH, max
R visc %
Soft. Pt min
Inc Soft pt
Ret pen
Ret pen %
Spot test
Asphal orig **
Asphal RTFO **

80/100
1972
80-100
42-51
n/a
n/a
1
n/a
n/a
n/a
50 min
30 max

B10
B8
2 - 1992192 3 - 1994
Report
Report
Report
Report
60-130
55-150
0,30 min
0,15 min
0,5
0,5
250 max
300 max
Report
Report

50 min
30 max
9 - 16
12 - 20

# Recommendations as per reference

* Optional requirement
** n-Hexane asphaltene

1)

50 min
30 max

B8/80/100 80/100
4 - 1995
5 - 1997
80-100
80-100
42-51
42-51
105 - 250*
75-150
0,15 min
0,15-0,40
0,5
0,5
300 max
300 max
Report
44
9 max
40 min
40 min
50 min
50 min
30 max
30 max

80/100
Current
80-100
42-51
75-150
0,15-0,40
0,5
300 max
44
9 max
40 min
50 min
30 max
8 - 13
11 - 16

80/100
Recom.#

80 - 120
0,25-1

44
5,5

15 - 30

Table 2a: Comparison of 60/70 pen grade bitumen between 1985 and 2003
Specification
Penetration @ 25 C, mm-1
Soft. Pt., C
Viscosity @ 60C, Pas
(Recommended)
Viscosity @ 135 C, Pas
(Recommended)
Spot test, % Xylene
Mass change RTFOT, %
Increase in Soft pt., C
Recommended
Soft. Pt.
(Recommended)
Viscosity @ 60C, Pas
Increase in viscosity @
60 C, %
-1
Retained penetration, mm
Retained pen, %

Range 1985-1992
Low Visc High Visc
72
42
46
52
-

Range 1992-1995
Low Visc High Visc
85
49
46
50
105
300

Range 1995-2000
Low Visc High Visc
70
55
48
52
152
227

0,27

0,42

0,30

0,41

25

30

50

56

50

60

53

55

181
-

404
-

352
217

492
232

47

33

51

36

47
69

38

SANS 307
Amdt 2002
60 70
46 56
120 250
(160 240)
0,22 0,45
(0,3 1)
30 max
0,5 max
9 max
(5,5 max)
48 min
(48 min)
750 max
300 max
33 min
55 min

Range 2000-2003
Low Visc High Visc
71
55
48
55
98
166
0,29

0,4

25
0,1
3

30
-0,2
6

53

55

185
168

460
210

49
77

40
61

Table 2b: Comparison of 80/100 pen grade bitumen between 1985 and 2003
Specification
Penetration @ 25 C, mm-1
Soft. Pt., C
Viscosity @ 60C, Pas
(Recommended)
Viscosity @ 135 C, Pas
(Recommended)
Spot test, % Xylene
Mass change RTFOT, %
Softening pt., C
(Recommended)
Increase in Soft pt., C
(Recommended)
Viscosity @ 60C, Pas
Increase in viscosity @ 60 C, %
Retained penetration, mm-1
Retained pen, %

Range 1985- 1992

Low Visc
High Visc
109
71
44
49
-

48

69

52

49

Range 1992 1995

Low Visc
High Visc
143
72
41
46
80
1202*
0,23

45

132
103

0,37

50

2410*
49

SANS 307
Amdt 2002
80 100
42 51
75 150
(80 120)
0,15 0,40
(0,25 1)
30 max
0,5 max
44 min
(44 min)
9 max
(5,5 max)
450 max
300 max
40 min
50 min

Range 2000-2003
Low Visc High Visc
96
83
43
49
93
124
0,29

0,33

25
0,1
48

30
0
55

203
185
65
76

247
245
62
68

4.

Where do things go wrong? Practical examples (case studies) of non-compliant

and compliant penetration grade bitumen

Properties of contaminated bitumen from site/tankers are compared with the relevant
specification in Tables 3a, 3b and 3c. Variations in bitumen complying with the currently
specified requirements are illustrated in Table 4 with comments on possible implications of
these variations on road performance. The results obtained on international bitumen
evaluated by means of SANS 307 and CSIR methods are given in Table 5.
Table 3a: Effectiveness of SABS 307 to detect contamination of 80/100 pen bitumen
Test

SABS 307
1997

Penetration (10-1mm)
o
Softening Point ( C)
o
Viscosity @ 60 C (Pa.s)

80/100 pen bitumen ex tankers

A
B
C
D
170*
94
114*
120*
35,0*
49,0
44,3
44,1
16,2*
79,3
68,4*
68,5*

Viscosity @ 135oC (Pa.s)

0,13*

0,23

0,24

0,24

0,15 - 0,40

Ductility @10oC (cm)

Spot Test (% Xylene)

100+
Pass

100+
Pass

100 +
Pass

100 +
Pass

100 min
30 max

- 4,70%*

-0,50

-1,9*

-2,0*

0,5 max

236,2
1 456*
14
53,5
18,5*
49
29*

189,5
239
59
52,5
3,5
53
56

287
419*
3*
53,5
9,2*
40
35*

270
394*
3*
53,3
9,2*
42
35*

450 max
300 max
5 min.
44 min.
9 max
40 min
50 min.

RTFOT:
Mass Change (%m/m) (loss)
Viscosity @ 60oC (Pa.s)
(% of original)
Ductility @10oC (cm)
Softening Point (oC)
Increase in Softening Point (oC)
Retained Penetration, (mm-1)
(% of original)

80 100
42 51
75 150

Test
Method
ASTM D5
ASTM D36
ASTM
D4402
ASTM
D4402
DIN 52013
AASHTO
T102
ASTM
D2872
ASTM
D4402
DIN 52013
ASTM D36
ASTM D36
ASTM D5

*Non-compliance

From Table 3a it can be seen that binder A did not comply with any of the viscosity properties
as required by SABS 307 (1997) and SANS 307 (2002). Although the fundamental RTFOT
properties complied, the ratios of change after RTFOT did not. This indicates that the base
bitumen prior to contamination would most probably have complied with the requirements.
It was strongly suspected that the non-compliance was a direct consequence of
contamination of the bitumen with a solvent (lower boiling point compounds) indicated by the
high mass loss after RTFOT. Confirmation of this suspicion is however only of academic
interest since the low viscosity property would have the following negative impacts on road
performance:

Softening of the substrate (depending on the substrate, and type of contaminant)

leading to greater consequential punching by the aggregate than initially anticipated by
the design, resulting in bleeding and/or reduced seal lifetime.

Reduced binder-aggregate adhesive strength.

The presence of solvents can be confirmed by distillation, gas chromatography and/or

chemical analysis. Refinery contamination is highly unlikely (no incidences have ever been

established) so these contaminants (solvents) may have originated from back contamination
during haulage or site storage. The exact origin can be established unequivocally by
comparing retained samples from site with retained samples taken by the refinery at the
delivery point.
Table 3b: Effectiveness of SABS 307 to detect contamination of 60/70 pen bitumen
A

149*

130*

SABS 307
1997
60 70

44,9*

46 56

ASTM D36

67*

120 250

ASTM D4402

Viscosity @ 135 C (Pa.s)

Ductility @10oC (cm)

0,23
100+

0,22 - 0,45
100 min

ASTM D4402
DIN 52013

Spot Test (% Xylene)

Pass

30 max

AASHTO T102

- 1,7%*
238
355*
100+

0,5 max
750 max
300 max
10 min.

52,6

48 min.

ASTM D36

7,7

9 max

ASTM D36

52
40*

33 min
55 min.

ASTM D5

Test
Penetration (10-1mm)
o

Softening Point ( C)
o

Viscosity @ 60 C (Pa.s)
o

RTFOT:
Mass Change (%m/m) (loss)
Viscosity @ 60oC (Pa.s)
(% of original)
Ductility @10oC (cm)
Softening Point ( C)
Increase in Softening Point (oC)
Retained Penetration, (mm )
(% of original)
Gas Chromatographic Analyses
Area counts

ASTM D5

ASTM D2872
-5,3*

-1

Test Method

24*
16*

ASTM D4402
DIN 52013

RMT 001
29 000

*Non-compliance

Table 3b shows that neither sample tested complied with the requirements of SABS
307 (1997) for a 60/70 penetration-grade bitumen. This was due to the high levels of
contamination as indicated by high mass loss after RTFOT, and confirmed by the gas
chromatographic analysis (GCA) results in the case of sample B.
Possible
consequences and risks of such a magnitude of contamination would be bleeding and
deformation of the asphalt.
It is difficult to predict absolute future performance where such bitumen has been used for hot
mix application since the risk of future failure would depend on the specific interaction of
various key parameters that will govern performance, including volumetric properties of the
asphalt, environmental factors and traffic loading.
A more extreme case of contamination identified from GCA results and chemical analysis is
highlighted in the following table, and discussed below.

Table 3c: Extreme case of contamination in road binders

Property
Gas Chromatographic
Analyses
Area counts
Identification

Results

Lab reference

Test Method
CSIR
RMT 001

16 600
Coal Tar Naphtha

CSIR RMT 002

Chemical Analysis (HPLC)

(% m/m)
Saturates
Aromatics
Resins
Asphaltenes

4-6
39 - 44
39 - 44
10 12

"1 4
5 10
60 80
17,1

In this case of extreme contamination, the binder had a tar-like smell and was not
homogeneous. The GCA results indicated the presence of a significant quantity of coal tar
distillate. The bitumen sample was so highly contaminated that an accurate chemical
analysis was not possible. Although the results were estimates they indicate a binder of very
poor compositional balance:

The low aromatic fraction, exacerbated by dissipation and evaporation of the lighter
solvents and oils, affects adhesive and cohesive properties negatively and is
insufficient for asphaltene mobilisation.
The very high resin fraction is a reservoir for asphaltene production as
ageing/oxidation progresses, thereby augmenting the already relatively high
asphaltene quantities found in this binder, resulting in excessive premature ageing.

A binder containing solvents and oils, and having this chemical composition, would therefore
be expected to have reduced adhesive and cohesive properties, and show accelerated
premature ageing manifesting as fatigue cracking, crack propagation and/or ravelling, as the
volatile compounds and lighter oils begin to dissipate and evaporate. It is a considered
opinion that this bitumen would not pass the SABS 307 specification for bituminous binders
for road construction and should not be used for this purpose.
Table 4 now reviews the variability in ductility found on compliant 80/100 penetration grade
bitumen samples tested during 2001/2002 to give an indication of variation within specification
ranges.
Table 4: Ductility variability within specification compliant bitumen
(2001 - 2002)
Property

80/100 pen grade bitumen

89

83

91

93

81

SABS
307
1997
80 100

48,8

48,6

46,8

46,1

48,1

42 51

ASTM D36

100+

100+

100+

100+

100+

100 min

DIN 52013

98,3

102,5

92,3

114,5

105,7

75 150

ASTM D4402

0,25

0,25

0,25

0,32

0,27

0,15

ASTM D4402

ex site/tankers
-1

Penetration (cm )
Softening Point (C)
o

Ductility @10 C (cm)

o

Viscosity @ 60 C (Pa.s)
o

Viscosity @ 135 C (Pa.s)

0,40

Test Method
ASTM D5

Spot Test (% Xylene)

Pass

Pass

Pass

Pass

Pass

30 max

AASHTO
T102

Loss on Heating (m/m %)

-0,4

-0,1

0,04

0,06

0,03

N/a

IP 45

100+

76

15

N/a

DIN 52013

Retained Ductility @10 C

(cm)

The results obtained indicate that the samples differ markedly from one another, especially
with respect to their ductility values after RTFOT. The very low values (1 cm) of ductility @
10C after RTFOT are of concern. Although this property is no longer a requirement of SANS
307 (2002), a minimum value of 5 cm was previously specified in SABS 307 (1997) a value
that was generally easily attained.
These low values may be an indication of bitumen becoming brittle with ageing through loss
of volatile compounds and/or progressive asphaltene formation, resulting in premature
cracking and/or chip loss.
Table 5 presents a comparison of two overseas 80/100 penetration grade bitumen binders
tested in accordance with the South African standards to give a broader view of the
appropriateness of local standards.
Table 5: Bitumen properties of international bitumen tested to SABS 307 (1997) and
CSIR-developed tests
Test
Penetration (10-1mm)
Softening Point (oC)
Viscosity @ 60 oC (Pa.s)
Viscosity @ 135oC (Pa.s)
Spot Test (% Xylene)
Ductility @10oC (cm)*
RTFOT: Mass Change %m/m)
Viscosity @ 60 oC (Pa.s)
(% of original)
Ductility @10oC (cm)*
Softening Point (oC)
Increase in Softening Point (oC)
Retained Penetration (10-1mm)
(% Of 0riginal)
Gas Chromatographic Analyses
Area counts

Sample ER

Sample BT

100
48.5
142
0.33
Pass
33
- 0.32
582*
(410)
7
56,6
8.1
55

83
49.3
115
0.25
Pass
46
+ 0.03
229
(199)
7
54,0
4.7
53

55

64

20 604

7 530

Specification
SABS 307
80 100 pen
80 - 100
42 51
75 - 150
0.15 0.40
30 max
100 min
0,5 max
450
(300 max)
5 min.
44 min.
9 max

Test Method
ASTM D5
ASTM D36
ASTM D4402
ASTM D4402
AASHTO T102
DIN 52013
ASTM D2872
ASTM D4402
DIN 52013
ASTM D36
ASTM D36
ASTM D5

50 min.
CSIR
RMT 001

The viscosity @ 60C of sample ER (142kPa) is high, but just within specification. However,
the increase in viscosity @ 60C after rolling thin film oven (410%) exceeds that allowed by
the specification (300% max). The actual viscosity value of 582 kPa can also be considered
as high compared to typical viscosity values of 250 to 450 kPa for South African 80/100
penetration grade bitumen after RTFOT. The GCA confirmed the suspicion that the
exaggerated stiffening of the ER sample after RTFOT may be an indication of the presence of
volatile components.

5.

6.

Comments on the specification changes over the years

Penetration and softening point ranges have essentially remained constant, except that
in 1992 when viscosity grades were introduced they were specified as "report only"
properties.

The minimum viscosity values at both 60 and 135 C as specified in 1992, were higher
than those currently specified. In order to comply with the mandatory viscosity
requirement the penetration values varied significantly. In 1995, Amendment no.4,
reintroduced penetration as a mandatory requirement together with viscosity at 60 C
as an optional requirement, but assigning a wider range to enable producers to comply
with both penetration and viscosity requirements. In the 1997 amendment 5, a
maximum value for viscosity at 135 C was introduced. Limiting both maximum and
minimum values strives towards balancing durability and stability performance of the
binder.

The reduction in maximum mass change after RTFOT from 0,8 to 0,5% was very
positive toward enhancing durability and minimising volatile compounds.

Ductility was first specified at 25 C but since this temperature in practice was found to
be rather non-discriminatory, the option of lower test temperatures as practised in
Germany (DIN Specification) was investigated.
In 1992 (Amendment no. 2) the
modified low temperature ductility test (LTD) was included as a "report only"
requirement, followed by the 1995 Amendment no.4, which specified minimum values
for the before RTFOT bitumen. In 1997 (Amendment no. 5) minima were also
specified for the RTFOT bitumen. Ductility as a specification requirement was dropped
in Amendment no. 6 of 2002. This was probably motivated by practical considerations
and questions around appropriateness of ranges relative to road performance.

In our opinion and experience, SANS 307 ensures adequate classical road bitumen
ex-refinery but the problems that we are aware of generally occur further downstream
where it really matters and with potential negative impact on the performance of the
end product. The specifications therefore have to cater for situations that go beyond
the good quality control that can be exercised at SA refineries, not too mention
bitumens used elsewhere in Southern Africa and wherever SA consultants and
contractors may require assistance regarding available products. Judged by the results
shown in this paper, the current specifications appear to be able to control quality
irrespective of bitumen source.
Recommendations for future amendments to current SANS 307

While the overall framework is viewed as satisfactory, there are however some aspects which
require reviewing in order to weed out potential poor performers, and sometimes even
hazardous materials on site.
The latter issue of petroleum (or tar) distillates in bitumen that is to be used for hot mix
production is controlled by both viscosity and mass change during the (Rolling) Thin Film
Oven Test ((R)TFOT). Furthermore the degree of change after RTFOT is an important
indication of potential ageing. The RTFOT viscosity is an indication of stability and durability

performance. Based on these concerns the following amendments are proposed for
deliberation by the specifications committee:

Mass (loss) change of 0,5 max is too high.

Softening point increase after RTFOT of 9C is too high (based on top of original
range). It is proposed that the increase should not exceed 7C. This recommendation
is based on the results presented in this paper. It should be noted that in the study
conducted in 1996, a maximum increase of 5,5C in softening point was
recommended. Whilst the 1996 recommendation is still considered more appropriate
and ideal, a maximum increase of 7C is probably more practical and achievable in the
short term.

Ductility after RTFOT, both with regard to test temperature and appropriate ranges
could be revisited. Considering the practical implications of this tests use as a general
specification item, it could be an appropriate property to specify in a Fit for Purpose
menu (FFP).

The rutting parameter, as specified in the Superpave P-G grades relates to viscosity at
60C. The values obtained on a relatively small number of ex-refinery bitumens appear
to be fairly consistent for penetration grade but some overlapping has been found
between grades. The correlation of this parameter with laboratory rutting tests has not
been established. This parameter could be suitable for FFP projects.

The pressure ageing vessel (PAV) test can be used to measure potential durability but
would not be suitable as a national specification property due to the time and cost
involved to execute the procedure. Good correlation has been found between PAV,
chemical composition, and ductility at 25C and road performance where binder fatigue
was very obvious. The test could be appropriate in FPP evaluations.

Change is a process that needs to be recognized and accommodated. To this end the
knowledge base regarding binder properties relative to performance needs to be extended
and upgraded on an ongoing basis in order to provide for an ever-increasing variation in road
binders on offer, especially in Southern Africa. In this context it is not only variation in the
quality of available bitumen, but in addition change in quality during long haulage time
required to procure road binders and asphalt, which can impact considerably on the quality of
the residual binder ending up in the end product (hot mix and seals) on the road.
7.

References
1.

Van Assen, E J and M van de Ven. Review of South African bitumen specification
to take cognisance of compositional balance relative to long-term behaviour.
Contract report CR96/034. Pretoria 1996.

2. Trinidad Asphalt Roads,Trinidad Lake Asphalt Limited, London 1939.