T122 Torsional
T122 Torsional
T122 Torsional
FOREWORD
Polymer modified binders (PMBs) are thought to provide benefits due to their increased
elastic behaviour. A simple means of determining the elastic properties of a PMB is to
measure its torsional recovery. The torsional recovery test is simple and can be readily
utilised for routine quality control purposes.
SCOPE
This test method sets out the procedure for the determination of torsional recovery of PMBs
using a simple bolt and cup assembly.
Further Development
There are no further plans for the development of this test method.
AUSTROADS
AS /NZS
2 PRINCIPLE
The torsional recovery apparatus operates by manually rotating an aluminium bolt,
previously embedded in a cup of modified binder, through an angle of 180 degrees and
measuring the extent of recovery of the original applied rotation. The initial 180 degree twist
is applied with a spanner over a 10 second period. The recovery after 30 seconds is
reported.
3 APPARATUS
The following apparatus is required:
c. Angle measuring device - angle measuring device and sample clamp assembly, or
an alternative means of clamping the sample/bolt assembly and determining the
initial and recovered angle. The recommended device provides a scale, of 80 mm
radius and graduated in degrees around at least half its circumference, and a clamp
capable of holding the sample cup within 3 mm of its centre and without deforming
the cup by more than 3 mm in any direction.
e. Forced convection oven - capable of operating in the range 60°C to 200°C, with a
setpoint accuracy of ± 5°C.
f. Stop-watch
4 PROCEDURE
4.1 General
PMBs are complex mixtures of polymers and a variety of petroleum products. If handled in
accordance with the directions of the suppliers, there should be no significant risk. The
hazard of burns with PMBs is greater than with standard bitumens, due to the (normally)
higher handling temperatures. It is recommended that notices, describing the action to be
taken in the event of bitumen or PMB burns, should be displayed in the laboratory in the
areas where bitumen and PMBs are handled. A suitable warning could be as follows:
a. Eye protection, such as safety glasses and/or face shields, shall be worn when
handling hot bitumen or PMBs.
b. Heat-resistant gloves, with close-fitting cuffs, and other suitable protective clothing,
shall be worn when handling hot bitumen or PMBs.
d. While the material is still cold, loosen the lid of the sample container (invert the can
and warm the lid, if necessary), or punch a hole in the lid.
e. Examine the cold sample for the presence of water. If water is thought to be present,
drain most of it out, or blow with clean compressed air to evaporate the free water.
4.3 Measurement
a. Assemble the bolt, spider and nuts to position the surface of the bolt head 8 ± 2 mm
below the top of the sample cup.
c. Pour the modified binder into the cup assembly, until it begins to form a meniscus on
the top surface of the bolt.
d. Allow the assembly to cool for one hour by leaving it to stand at room temperature
(25 ± 3°C). Adjust the assembly height to keep the top surface of the bolt flush with
the sample surface.
e. Place the assembly into the 25°C water bath and allow it to stabilise for one hour
(see Note 1).
f. Adjust the spider to a position 7 ± 2 mm above the rim and return the assembly to the
bath.
g. Place the sample assembly on the base-plate and fit the pointer to the 180 degree
position without disturbing the sample.
h. Using the spanner, turn the bolt moving the pointer from the 180 degree position to
the zero position using a steady motion for 10 seconds (see Note 2).
i. Release the bolt when the pointer reaches the zero position and commence timing
(see Note 3).
5 CALCULATION
The Torsional Recovery is given by the following equation:
A
Torsional Recovery, % = 100 /180
where
6 INFORMATION TO BE REPORTED
Report the Torsional Recovery as the mean of two results, together with the temperature of
the test and the Recovery Time.
7 PRECISION
No inter-laboratory testing has been conducted on the range of PMBs currently available.
Notes
1. The test should be conducted in an air conditioned laboratory at 25 ± 3°C.
Alternatively, the test can be conducted within the water bath.
2. The rate at which the torque is applied to the sample is critical for reproducible
results. The objective is to apply 180 degrees of rotation in 10 seconds. Figure 2
presents a practical scale marked from zero (0 degrees) to 10 (180 degrees) to help
with this task.
3. The spider assembly should not come into contact with the rim of the cup at any time
during the recovery phase.
28.6 mm
9.5 mm
1 0 1
2 2
90 100 90
3 3
80 percent recovery 80
70 70
4 4
60 60
5 50 50 5
40 40
6 6
30 30
20 20
7 7
10 10
0
8 8
9 9
10
loading time in seconds
AMENDMENT RECORD
Amendment No. Clauses amended Action Date
Key