# Ductility

The ductility test (Figure 1) measures asphalt binder ductility by stretching a standard-sized briquette of asphalt binder (Figure 2) to its breaking point. The stretched distance in centimeters at breaking is then reported as ductility.

- Canonical URL: https://pavementinteractive.org/reference-desk/testing/binder-tests/ductility/
- Last updated: 2026-11-01
- Review: reviewed by licensed professional engineers on the previous Pavement Interactive site, where reviewers were not recorded by name
- Standards: AASHTO T 51, ASTM D113

The ductility test (Figure 1) measures [asphalt binder](https://pavementinteractive.org/glossary/asphalt-binder/) ductility by stretching a standard-sized briquette of asphalt binder (Figure 2) to its breaking point. The stretched distance in centimeters at breaking is then reported as ductility. Like the [penetration test](https://pavementinteractive.org/reference-desk/testing/binder-tests/penetration-test/), this test has limited use since it is empirical and conducted at only one temperature (25° C (77° F)).

![Ductility test](https://pavementinteractive.org/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/DUCTILIT.jpg)

![Ductility samples](https://pavementinteractive.org/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/Ductility_sample.jpg)

*Figures 1 and 2.* Ductility test. Ductility samples.

## Standard Test Methods

- AASHTO T 51 and ASTM D 113: Ductility of Bituminous Materials