NABL Accredited · Bitumen Testing Service
Specific Gravity Test of Bitumen
(IS 1202 — Pycnometer Method)
Determination of the specific gravity of bituminous materials using the standard pycnometer method — essential for volume-to-weight conversion in mix design calculations and adulteration detection.
IS 1202
Standard
±0.001
Accuracy
3 Days
Report TAT
NABL
Accredited
NABL Accredited Lab · ISO/IEC 17025:2017
Digital Reports via Autovity QLMS
Pan-India · 7 Lab Locations
Est. 2009 · 20,000+ Projects
Overview
What is the Specific Gravity Test of Bitumen?
The Specific Gravity of Bitumen is the ratio of the mass of a given volume of bitumen to the mass of an equal volume of water at 27°C. It is determined using a standard pycnometer (specific gravity bottle). Specific gravity is used for converting bitumen volume to mass in hot mix plant batching calculations and Marshall mix design.
Conducted as per IS 1202 and ASTM D70, specific gravity is also used to detect bitumen adulteration — significantly different specific gravity from the expected range (0.97–1.02 for paving bitumen) may indicate contamination or blending with inferior materials.
Pycnometer Method
Standard specific gravity bottle method per IS 1202 at 27°C.
Adulteration Detection
Significantly abnormal specific gravity indicates possible bitumen adulteration.
Mix Design Input
Specific gravity used directly in Marshall mix design volumetric calculations.
High Precision
Results reported to 3 decimal places per IS 1202 requirements.
NABL Certified Reports
All results on NABL-accredited letterhead per IS 1202.
All Bitumen Types
VG grade, PMB, CRMB, cutback and emulsion specific gravity tested.
Test in Action
Specific Gravity Test of Bitumen — Site Images
Pycnometer with Bitumen Sample
Distilled Water Addition at 27°C
Specific Gravity Calculation in Laboratory
Test Procedure
How the Specific Gravity Test of Bitumen is Conducted
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1Pycnometer CalibrationEmpty pycnometer mass recorded. Pycnometer filled with distilled water at 27°C and mass recorded.
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2Bitumen Sample FillingApproximately half the pycnometer filled with molten bitumen. Cooled to room temperature.
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3Water AdditionDistilled water added to fill remaining space. Pycnometer with bitumen and water massed.
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4Specific Gravity CalculationSpecific gravity = (mass of bitumen) / (mass of bitumen + mass of water displaced by bitumen).
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5Result ReportingSpecific gravity reported to 3 decimal places. Compared against expected range for grade. NABL report within 3 days.
Standards & Specifications
Applicable Test Standards
| Standard | Title | Scope | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| IS 1202 | Methods for Testing Tar and Bituminous Materials — Determination of Specific Gravity | Specific Gravity | Indian Standard |
| IS 73 | Paving Bitumen — Specification | Bitumen Grades | Indian Standard |
| ASTM D70 | Standard Test Method for Specific Gravity and Density of Semi-Solid Asphalt Binder | Specific Gravity | ASTM |
| MORTH | Specifications for Road and Bridge Works — Clause 500 | Bitumen Spec | MORTH |
Applications
Where is the CAPO Test Used?
Marshall mix design volumetric calculations — Va, VMA and VFB determination
Hot mix plant batch weight calculations from volume measurements
Bitumen adulteration detection and quality verification
Acceptance testing of bitumen tanker deliveries at project site
Comparative testing of bitumen from different refineries
Modified bitumen specific gravity for PMB and CRMB mix design
Why Choose Global Lab
Our Advantages
NABL Accredited ReportsLegally valid IS 73 test certificates for all project requirements.
High Precision ResultsThree decimal place accuracy for mix design calculation reliability.
Complete Bitumen PackageSpecific gravity + Penetration + Softening point + Ductility offered together.
Fast 3-Day TurnaroundResults within 3 working days.
Pan-India CoverageTesting at all 7 lab locations.
Mix Design IntegrationSpecific gravity data directly used in Marshall mix design calculations.