Bitumens and bituminous binders - Determination of the softening point - Ring and Ball method

This document specifies a method for the determination of the softening point of bitumen and bituminous binders in the range of 28 °C to 150 °C.The method described also applies to bituminous binders that have been recovered from bituminous mixes, e.g. by extraction according to EN 12697-3. The change from mercury thermometers to electronic temperature devices has revealed that the temperature definition in the mercury thermometer has not been precise enough to make a correct, unbiased transfer to electronic devices. Care should be taken for softening points ring and ball above 100 °C as the condition may have changed from previous practice to present days testing equipment. Below approximately 100 °C the difference in temperature readings between electronic and mercury stem thermometer is acceptable compared to the repeatability of this test method.