School of Civil and Environmental Engineering
CE-352P: Transportation Engineering Lab
LAB REPORT – 10
Name: Navneet
Enrollment No.: B23088
Date: 06/11/2025
Experiment No.: 10
Apparatus Diagram:
1. Aim
To determine the Bitumen Content (Asphalt Content) of the given Reclaimed Asphalt
Pavement (RAP) sample using the centrifuge extraction method (as per ASTM D2172).
2. Apparatus Required
• Centrifuge Extractor: A high-speed centrifuge with a removable bowl and lid.
• Filter Paper Rings: Pre-cut filter paper to fit the rim of the extractor bowl.
• Solvent: Benzene or other suitable solvents (e.g., trichloroethylene).
• Weighing Balance: Calibrated balance, accurate to 0.1 g.
• Oven: For drying the aggregate sample and filter paper.
• Spatula and Mixing Bowl: For handling the sample.
3. Theory
The centrifuge extraction test (ASTM D2172) is a quantitative method to determine the
bitumen and aggregate content of an asphalt mixture.
The experiment involves dissolving the bitumen from a known mass of a RAP sample
(Wtotal) using a solvent, such as benzene. This mixture is placed in a centrifuge extractor.
When spun at high speed, the centrifuge forces the liquid (solvent + dissolved bitumen)
out through a filter paper ring. This filter retains all the solid aggregate particles (both
coarse and fine) inside the bowl and on the filter itself.
This “washing” process is repeated until the extracted solvent runs clear, indicating
all bitumen has been removed. The retained aggregate is then dried to a constant
weight to evaporate all solvent and moisture, yielding the total mass of the aggregate
(Wagg total). The mass of the bitumen (Wbitumen) is found by subtracting the total aggregate
mass from the initial sample mass. The bitumen content is then expressed as a
percentage of
the total mix weight.
The formula to calculate the Bitumen Content (BC) is:
Wbitumen
BC(%) = × 100
Wtotal
Wtotal − Wagg total
BC(%) = Wtotal × 100
Where:
• Wtotal = Mass of the initial RAP sample.
• Wagg total = Total mass of the dried aggregate (in bowl + on filter).
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4. Observations
The following observations were recorded during the test.
Observation Value
Initial weight of RAP sample (Wtotal) 500 g
Weight of aggregate left in bowl (Wagg bowl) 486.1 g
Initial weight of filter paper (Wf initial) Final 2.2 g
(dry) weight of filter paper (Wf final) 3.5 g
5. Calculations
5.1 Calculation of Total Aggregate Mass (Wagg total )
First, the mass of the fine aggregate particles trapped by the filter paper is calculated.
This is added to the mass of the aggregate left in the bowl.
1. Mass of fine aggregate on filter (Wfines):
Wfines = Wf final − Wf initial
Wfines = 3.5 g − 2.2 g = 1.3 g
2. Total mass of aggregate (Wagg total):
Wagg total = (Mass of agg inbowl) + (Mass of fines on filter) Wagg
total = 486.1 g + 1.3 g = 487.4 g
5.2 Calculation of Bitumen Content (BC)
Now, the mass of bitumen is found by subtracting the total aggregate mass from the
initial sample mass.
1. Mass of Bitumen (Wbitumen):
Wbitumen = Wtotal − Wagg total
Wbitumen = 500 g − 487.4 g = 12.6 g
2. Bitumen Content (BC) as a percentage:
Wbitumen
BC(%) = × 100
Wtotal
12.6 g
BC(%) = × 100 = 0.022595 × 100 =
2.52% 500 g
6. Result
The Bitumen Content of the given Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) sample is 2.52%
by weight of the total mix.
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7. Inferences
• The measured bitumen content of 2.52% is a key property of this specific RAP
stock. This value is typical for aged pavements, which often have lower effective
binder contents compared to new hot-mix asphalt (which is typically 4–6%).
• This specific binder content is a critical input for designing a new asphalt mix that
incorporates this RAP.
• Knowing this value allows an engineer to calculate the “binder demand” of the new
mix and determine how much new (virgin) asphalt binder and/or rejuvenating agent
must be added to meet the final design specifications and ensure proper coating and
performance.
8. Applications
• Recycled Mix Design: This test is fundamental for designing new asphalt mixes
containing RAP. It determines the percentage of existing binder that can be “cred-
ited” to the new mix, ensuring economic efficiency and proper performance.
• Quality Control/Assurance: The test is used to verify the binder content of new
asphalt mixes at the production plant, ensuring it matches the job mix formula.
• Pavement Forensics: In cases of pavement failure (e.g., rutting, raveling, bleed-
ing), this test is performed on core samples to determine if an incorrect binder
content (either too high or too low) was the cause.
9. Precautions
• Solvent Safety: Benzene is highly toxic and carcinogenic. All procedures must
be performed in a well-ventilated fume hood. Appropriate Personal Protective
Equipment (PPE), including solvent-resistant gloves and safety goggles, must be
worn at all times.
• Complete Extraction: The washing process must be repeated until the extracted
solvent is perfectly clear. Incomplete extraction will leave bitumen on the aggregate,
resulting in a falsely high aggregate weight and a falsely low bitumen content.
• Filter Paper Seal: Ensure the filter paper ring is seated properly without any
gaps, folds, or tears. A poor seal will allow fine aggregate to escape with the
solvent, leading to an inaccurate (low) aggregate mass and a falsely high bitumen
content.
• Drying to Constant Weight: Both the aggregate in the bowl and the filter
paper must be dried to a constant mass. This ensures all solvent and moisture,
which would add weight, have been completely evaporated.
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10. References
1. ASTM D2172 / D2172M-17, Standard Test Methods for Quantitative Extraction
of Bitumen From Bituminous Paving Mixtures.
2. Asphalt Institute, MS-2: Asphalt Mix Design Methods.
3. Khanna, S.K. and Justo, C.E.G., Highway Engineering, Nem Chand & Bros, Roor-
kee.
4. IS 1201-1978, Methods for testing tar and bituminous materials.