1.1 本试验方法包括测定30至157范围内沥青的软化点 °C[86至315 °F]，使用浸入蒸馏水[30至80]中的环形和球形装置 °C]或USP甘油（高于80至157 摄氏度）。 1.2 以国际单位制或英寸-磅单位表示的数值应单独视为标准值。每个系统中规定的值可能不是精确的等效值；因此，每个系统应相互独立使用。将两个系统的值合并可能会导致不符合标准。 1.3 本标准并非旨在解决与其使用相关的所有安全问题（如有）。本标准的用户有责任在使用前制定适当的安全、健康和环境实践，并确定监管限制的适用性。 1.4 本国际标准是根据世界贸易组织技术性贸易壁垒（TBT）委员会发布的《关于制定国际标准、指南和建议的原则的决定》中确立的国际公认标准化原则制定的。 ====意义和用途====== 4.1 沥青是无明确熔点的粘弹性材料；随着温度的升高，它们逐渐变软，粘性降低。因此，如果结果是可重复的，则必须通过任意和严格定义的方法确定软化点。 4.2 软化点在沥青分类中很有用，作为确定运输或供应来源均匀性的一个因素，并指示材料在使用中遇到的高温下流动的趋势。

1.1 This test method covers the determination of the softening point of bitumen in the range from 30 to 157 °C [86 to 315 °F] using the ring-and-ball apparatus immersed in distilled water [30 to 80 °C] or USP glycerin (above 80 to 157 °C). 1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in nonconformance with the standard. 1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee. ====== Significance And Use ====== 4.1 Bitumens are viscoelastic materials without sharply defined melting points; they gradually become softer and less viscous as the temperature rises. For this reason, softening points must be determined by an arbitrary and closely defined method if results are to be reproducible. 4.2 The softening point is useful in the classification of bitumens, as one element in establishing the uniformity of shipments or sources of supply, and is indicative of the tendency of the material to flow at elevated temperatures encountered in service.