Classical (empirical) Bitumen Testing Methods in Austria

Binder (bitumen) properties are often standardised based on known empirical tests. In the European standards these are: needle penetration test, Fraass breaking point, softening point ring and ball, elastic recovery of modified bitumen and ductility. The informative value of empirical tests regarding the suitability of the binder is limited, as is well known. These test methods are simple, inexpensive and quick methods to describe bitumen. Since these test methods do not make any statement about the actual material parameters, such as stiffness or phase angle, and are not used as in reality, these empirical methods must be viewed critically today.