Cohesion with pendulum test

The cohesion with pendulum test is a method for measuring the cohesion of bituminous binders at temperatures in the range of -10°C to 80°C and for expressing the relationship between cohesion and temperature. 

This test method is applicable for graded bitumen, modified bitumen and fluxed bitumen and is used only when the binders are going to be used in surface dressings. 

In the case of fluxed bitumen, the test is performed on the binder containing fluxant or on the binder from which the solvent has been removed. For bitumen emulsions, the test is carried out on the residual binder obtained after recovery. 

The cohesion in this test is determined as the energy per unit area (J/cm ) required to fully detach a cube from the support, with the previously bonded faces of the cube and support remaining fully covered by binder. 

The test is executed in accordance to CEN EN 13588 (2008), where more information can be found. 

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CEN EN 13588. 2008. Bitumen and bituminous binders - Determination of cohesion of bituminous binders with pendulum test. Brussels CEN. 

The properties specified for all polymer-modified bitumens ensure (a) consistency at intermediate service temperatures (with reference to penetration at 25°C), (b) consistency at elevated service temperatures (with reference to softening point), (c) cohesion (with respect to force ductility, tensile test or Vialit pendulum), (d) resistance to hardening, (e) brittleness at low service temperature (with respect to Eraass breaking point) and (f) stain recovery (with respect to elastic recovery). 

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