Bitumen Testing and Classification

This lecture covers the main tests on bitumen, including penetration, softening point, and viscosity, as well as the classification of bitumen types based on penetration values. The instructor explains the significance of these tests in determining the quality and characteristics of different types of bitumen, such as soft bitumen for flexible pavements and hard bitumen for high-speed roads. The lecture also delves into the importance of adhesion between bitumen and aggregates in pavement construction, highlighting the risks of poor adhesion. Additionally, the lecture introduces a practical exercise involving the construction of a consistency curve for different types of bitumen and the interpretation of test results to ensure compliance with normative requirements.