ABSTRACT
The purpose of the laboratory tests performed on bitumen is to define its characteristic properties, so as to ascertain its suitability and predict its behaviour during the service life of the pavement. The term characteristic properties include all properties, such as technological, mechanical, rheological, physical and chemical. Technological properties are those defined by empirical and not fundamental tests, unlike the mechanical and rheological properties. The main technological properties are penetration, softening point, ductility, flash point, solubility, weight loss after heating and Fraass breaking point. All the abovementioned technological properties, along with viscosity (rheological property), constitute the main criteria for suitability or conformity of bitumen specified by international standards.
