25 th – 26
18 th – 19
26
03
29
5 th
BITUMINOUS PRODUCTS IN PRACTICE: INTRODUCTORY COURSE (Module: Mat 01)
Date Cost Venue Presenter th th th – 27 rd to 04 th – 30
17 th – 18
– 6 th
February
March th March th June th July th September
November
25 th – 26 th November
R1 600 inclusive of
VAT for Sabita members and CSIR employees.
R1 850 inclusive of
VAT for all others.
Gauteng
Western Cape
KwaZulu Natal
Bloemfontein
Gauteng
KwaZulu Natal
Western Cape
East London
Les Sampson
Scope of Course
The course is intended for learners requiring a basic knowledge of the types, use, handling manufacture and application of bituminous products and addresses specific outcomes in most of the units standards related to binder manufacturing, Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) manufacturing, Seal application and HMA application.
The course is run over two days and mainly targets learners at NQF levels 2 to 5 and young engineers and technologists just entering the industry. The course should benefit technical personnel at specific entry levels as well as commercial/marketing personnel who deal with sales, ordering, dispatch and handling of bituminous materials.
This module is the introductory module and covers the physical aspects of bitumen and its applications, including its use in emulsions, and discusses the history, manufacture, types and grades of bitumen and emulsion along with their basic properties, laboratory tests and basic use in the areas of road construction and other industrial applications. A second bitumen course module (Mat 02) targeted at personnel requiring more advanced technical knowledge of the use and application of bituminous products is also available and would be generally suitable for learners in the NQF levels 4 to 7.
The discussions are supported by audio-visual presentations, demonstrations and a display of commonly used bitumen-based products.
Course Objectives
The following course objectives are identified:
 To increase learners’ understanding and appreciation of the use and application of bitumen as a construction material;
 To provide increased confidence in bitumen-related matters by providing a sound appreciation of the basic attributes of bitumen compared with other competitive materials;
 To provide an awareness of safe practice when handling and using bituminous products;
 To illustrate methods and equipment used in bituminous testing and applications;
The courses will be restricted to a maximum of 25 persons per course.

COURSE CONTENTS
SESSION 1: COURSE BACKGROUND
1.1
1.2
Scope of Course
Course Objectives
1.3 Course Material
SESSION 2: DEFINITION OF COMMON TERMS USED IN THE COURSE
2.1
2.2
General Definitions
Terminology for Road Pavement Structures
SESSION 3: HISTORY AND OVERVIEW OF BITUMEN
3.1 Historical Overview
3.2
3.3
3.4
History of Bitumen in South Africa
Uses of Bitumen
Basic Properties of Bitumen
SESSION 4: MANUFACTURE OF BITUMEN AND BITUMINOUS PRODUCTS
4.1 The Refining Process
4.2
4.3
4.4
4.5
Penetration Grade Bitumen
Blown Bitumen
Cutback bitumen
Bitumen emulsions
SESSION 5: COMPOSITION OF BITUMEN
SESSION 6: BEHAVIOUR OF BITUMEN
6.1 Temperature/Viscosity Relationship
6.1.1 High-temperature Behaviour
6.1.2 Low-temperature Behaviour
6.1.3 Intermediate-temperature Behaviour
6.2 Ageing Behaviour
SESSION 7: GRADES AND TYPES OF BITUMINOUS BINDERS
7.1 Penetration Grade Bitumen
7.2
7.3
Cutback Bitumen
Bitumen Emulsions
7.4 Modified Bitumen and Emulsions Binders
7.4.1 Homogenous Binders (Polymer Modified)
7.4.2 Non-homogenous Binders (Bitumen Rubber)
7.4.3 Classification of Modified Binders (from AsAc: TG1)
SESSION 8: SPECIFICATIONS FOR BITUMINOUS PRODUCTS

SESSION 9: SAMPLING AND TESTING OF BITUMINOUS MATERIALS
9.1 Sampling of Bituminous Materials
9.2 Testing of Bitumen
9.2.1 Penetration Test (ASTM D5)
9.2.2 Softening Point Test (Ring & Ball, ASTM D36)
9.2.3 Viscosity Test
9.2.4 Ductility Test (DIN 52013)
9.2.5 Rolling Thin-film Oven Test (RTFOT, ASTM D2872)
9.2.6 Spot Test (AASHTO T102)
SESSION 10: PACKAGING OF PRODUCTS
SESSION 11: HANDLING OF PRODUCTS AND SAFETY ASPECTS
SESSION 12: SELECTION AND APPLICATION
12.1 Road Construction
12.1.1 Selection of Bituminous Binders for Roads
12.1.2 Selection of Bituminous Binders in Asphalt Base Courses
12.1.3 Selection of Bituminous Materials in Asphalt Wearing Courses
12.1.4 Selection of Bituminous Materials in Surface Treatments
12.1.5 Selection of Bituminous Materials in Primes, Tack Coats and Curing Membranes
12.2 Industrial Applications of Bitumen
12.2.1 Roof Waterproofing
12.2.2 Battery Sealing
12.2.3 Metal Protection
12.2.4 Coal Briquetting
12.2.5 “Hydraulic” Applications, including Dam, Reservoir and Canal Linings
12.2.6 Coastal Protection
12.2.7 Other Applications
PROGRAMME
Day 1:
08:00 – 08:30
08:30 – 10:15
Registration
Sessions 1, 2 & 3
10:15 – 10:45
10:45 – 12:45
12:45 – 13:30
13:30 – 15:00
15:00 – 15:30
15:30 – 16:30
Day 2:
08:00 – 10:00
10:00 – 10:30
10:30 – 12:45
12:45 – 13:30
13:30 – 15:00
15:00 – 15:30
15:30 – 16:30
Tea Break
Sessions 4 & 5
Lunch
Session 6
Tea Break
Revision of proceedings (word puzzles)
Session 7
Tea Break
Sessions 8 & 9
Lunch
Sessions 10, 11 & 12
Tea Break
Revision of proceedings (word puzzles)