The Automatic Fraass Asphalt Brittleness Point Tester is designed to measure the low-temperature cracking resistance of asphalt and bitumen. This automated tester complies with the EN 12593 and JTG 3410 standards, this automated tester ensures precise temperature control, accurate brittleness point detection, and reliable laboratory results for road construction and material research.

Fraass Brittleness Point Tester

Model:TD613-2

I. Product Introduction

This instrument is designed and manufactured in accordance with the Chinese national standard GB/T 4501-2006 “Test Method for Asphalt Brittleness”, the Chinese industry standard JTG 3410-2025 “Standard Test Methods of Asphalt and Asphalt Mixture for Highway Engineering” (T 0613-2025: Asphalt Brittleness Test), and also references EN 12593. It is specifically used to determine the Fraass brittleness point of asphalt materials, providing accurate and reliable evaluation of low-temperature cracking resistance.

II. Technical Features

1. This instrument consists of a brittle point tester and a low-temperature water bath. The brittle point tester is the main component for brittle point testing, while the low-temperature circulating bath cools the refrigeration unit of the brittle point tester.

2. The refrigeration chamber of the brittle point tester primarily provides a cooling environment with a cooling rate of 1°C per minute.

3. The electric bending mechanism of the brittle point tester automatically loads the specimen, bending it once per minute.

4. The control panel of the brittle point tester consists of an LCD screen, a keypad, function switches, and a printer, allowing for convenient operation and intuitive display of the test results.

III. Technical Parameters

1. Operating Power Supply: AC 220V±10%, 50Hz.

2. Cooling Method: Low-temperature circulating bath.

3. Cooling Rate: 1℃±0.5℃/min.

4. Temperature Measurement Range: -30℃~25℃.

5. Temperature Measurement Error: ±0.5℃.

6. Sample steel sheet dimensions: 41mm × 20mm × 0.15mm (length × width × thickness).

7. Sample quantity: 3 samples will be tested simultaneously.

8. Ambient temperature: Room temperature ~ +30℃.

9. Relative humidity: ≤85%.

10. Total power consumption: 450W (brittle point tester) + 1600W (low-temperature circulating bath).

11. Dimensions: 500mm × 400mm × 570mm (length × width × height of brittle point tester)

IV. Test Method

1. Clean the instrument thoroughly to make it transparent, so as to observe the changes in the sample during the test.

2. Heat the asphalt sample until it melts and dehydrates. After cooling, weigh an asphalt sample equivalent to 0.4 cubic centimeters and place it in an oven to heat it, so that the asphalt melts and coats the metal sheet (uniformly) to a thickness of 0.5 mm. Then allow the asphalt-coated steel sheet to cool at room temperature for 1 hour.

3. Connect the low-temperature water bath to the testing apparatus using a rubber hose, and add an appropriate amount of refrigerant. Turn on the refrigeration equipment and the refrigerant circulation system.

4. Remove the large rubber stopper (from the assembly fixed to the stopper). Carefully insert the asphalt-coated steel sheet between the upper and lower clamps of the instrument.

5. Control the cooling rate of the refrigerant in the testing apparatus to 1°C per minute using the low-temperature water bath.

6. When the temperature drops to approximately 100°C, the instrument handle should be swung at a speed of 5 revolutions per minute. At this point, the slider will rise from the first step to the second step, a height difference of 3.5 mm, causing the steel sheet to bend into an arc shape. Then, the handle should be swung back to its original position (first step) at the same speed, and the steel sheet will return to its straight state. Repeat this process once each time the temperature drops by 1°C.

7. The temperature at which cracks appear in the specimen is the brittle point of the asphalt sample.

8. The arithmetic mean of three parallel tests is used as the brittle point, and the difference in brittle point values should not exceed 3℃.

9. Each instrument is equipped with four stainless steel plates, which must be flattened and stored in a dry instrument case when not in use.

V. Packing List

1. Automatic Asphalt Brittleness Tester (Main Unit)

2. Multifunctional Circulating Constant Temperature Water Bath

3. Stainless Steel Specimen Sheets

4. Rubber Tubing (Ф10×1 meter)

5. Insulating Sponge Tubing (Ф15×1 meter)

6. Instruction Manual

7. Certificate of Conformity