ASTM D36/D36M-14 (2020) rus PDF

Full title and description

ASTM D36/D36M-14 (R2020) — Standard Test Method for Softening Point of Bitumen (Ring-and-Ball Apparatus). Specifies the ring-and-ball procedure for determining the softening point of bituminous materials (bitumen, asphalt binders, pitches) using a controlled heating rate and either distilled water or glycerin as the immersion medium, and reports the softening temperature at which the ball descends a specified distance.

Abstract

This test method defines a reproducible laboratory procedure to determine the softening point of bituminous binders in the approximate range 30 °C to 157 °C [86 °F to 315 °F] using the ring-and-ball apparatus. The softening point is reported as the average temperature at which two sample disks, each supporting a steel ball, soften sufficiently for the ball to reach the bottom plate under the prescribed heating rate and test conditions. The procedure includes apparatus specification, sample preparation, bath medium selection (distilled water or USP glycerin), heating rate, and reporting conventions in SI or inch–pound units.

General information

• Status: Active — current designation D36/D36M-14 with reapproval/revision documented in 2020 (R2020).
• Publication date: Original D36–14 edition 2014; current reapproval/revision recorded in 2020 (commonly shown as D36/D36M‑14 (R2020) or D36/D36M‑14(2020)).
• Publisher: ASTM International (formerly American Society for Testing and Materials).
• ICS / categories: 91.100.50 — Binders; sealing materials (bituminous binders / asphalt).
• Edition / version: D36/D36M‑14 (R2020) — edition originally approved 2014, updated/reapproved 2020.
• Number of pages: Typically published as a short test method — 5 pages in the official ASTM PDF.

Scope

The standard covers determination of the softening point of bituminous materials by the ring-and-ball method in the temperature range from about 30 °C to 157 °C. It specifies which immersion medium to use (distilled or deionized water for lower softening points, USP glycerin for higher softening points), apparatus dimensions and tolerances, heating rate, sample preparation and reporting rules (SI and inch–pound units treated independently). The method is intended for classification, quality control and comparative evaluation of binders rather than as an absolute physical melting point.

Key topics and requirements

• Ring-and-ball apparatus geometry and tolerances (shouldered brass rings, ball diameter and mass, plate/holder configuration).
• Temperature range and immersion medium selection (distilled water for ~30–80 °C; USP glycerin for ~80–157 °C).
• Controlled heating rate (specified rise per minute) and thermometer accuracy/stability requirements.
• Sample preparation and pouring, leveling, and conditioning before test.
• Result reporting: average of two ball-drop temperatures; separate treatment of SI and inch–pound units.
• Safety and laboratory practice guidance (users must ensure appropriate safety, health and environmental measures).

Typical use and users

Routine use in materials testing and quality control laboratories for bitumen, asphalt binder producers, pavement research organizations, specification and acceptance testing in construction projects, and standards laboratories. Users include pavement engineers, QC technicians, binder suppliers, research labs, and regulatory agencies assessing binder consistency, temperature susceptibility and shipment uniformity. The test is also used by instrument manufacturers as a reference method for softening-point apparatus.

Related standards

Commonly referenced equivalent or related methods include AASHTO T 53 (Ring-and-Ball Softening Point) and EN 1427 (Bitumen — Determination of softening point — Ring and Ball method). Other ASTM and regional standards on binder characterization (penetration, viscosity, rheology) are often used alongside D36/D36M. The standard is maintained under ASTM Committee D08 (Roofing and Waterproofing / Bituminous materials).

Keywords

softening point; bitumen; ring-and-ball; ring and ball; ASTM D36; D36M; AASHTO T53; EN 1427; asphalt binder; temperature susceptibility; glycerin; distilled water; laboratory test.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM D36/D36M‑14 (R2020) is the ASTM test method that defines the ring-and-ball procedure for determining the softening point of bituminous materials.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers apparatus requirements, sample preparation, bath medium selection (water or glycerin), heating rate, measurement practice and result reporting for softening-point tests in the approximate range 30 °C to 157 °C.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Materials and quality-control laboratories, asphalt producers, pavement engineers, instrument manufacturers and regulatory/test agencies that need a reproducible method to compare binder softening behavior.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The method designation is D36/D36M‑14 with a recorded 2020 reapproval/revision reference (often cited as R2020 or (2020)). Users should confirm they are using the latest official ASTM document available from ASTM International to capture any errata or amendments.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is one of several ASTM/AASHTO methods for bituminous binder characterization (for example AASHTO T53, ASTM penetration and viscosity methods). It falls under ASTM Committee D08 on Roofing and Waterproofing, subcommittees that manage bituminous materials test methods.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Softening point, ring-and-ball, bitumen, asphalt binder, ASTM D36, temperature range, glycerin, distilled water, laboratory test.