Highway & Bituminous Testing

Bitumen Penetrometer

Penetrometer with digital timer for grading bitumen by penetration value per IS 1203.

NABL TC-14144· ISO/IEC 17025:2017· Lab ID NKM/EQ-27 (timer/counter)
Bitumen Penetrometer at the NKMPV NABL-accredited laboratory, Pinjore
Bitumen Penetrometer — NKMPV NABL laboratory, Pinjore

The Bitumen Penetrometer measures the penetration value of bitumen — the depth in tenths of a millimetre that a standard needle penetrates the sample in 5 seconds at 25 °C under a 100 g load. Penetration is the primary way bitumen is graded (e.g. VG/60-70) for road works, per IS 1203.

What this equipment tests

  • Penetration value of paving bitumen at 25 °C
  • Bitumen grade verification (e.g. VG grades / 60-70)
  • Consistency check on aged / recovered binder

Applicable Indian Standards

  • IS 1203 — Determination of penetration of bitumen
  • IS 73 — Paving bitumen — specification

Related NABL testing services

Frequently asked questions

What does the penetration value tell you?

It indicates bitumen hardness/consistency and is the basis for grading paving bitumen for road construction.

At what conditions is the test run?

Standard needle, 100 g load, 5 seconds, at 25 °C, per IS 1203.