Asphalt Tests — EN 12697 / EN 13108 / Marshall and Rut

What Is Asphalt?

Asphalt mixture analysis evaluates the compliance of the produced or laid bituminous mixture with design conditions. Binder ratio and aggregate granulometry (EN 12697-1/-2), density and void ratio (EN 12697-5/-6/-8), Marshall stability and flow, rutting resistance (EN 12697-22), hardness modulus and water sensitivity (EN 12697-12) are the main tests.

Purpose of Asphalt

The aim is to verify that the asphalt will withstand deformation and water impact under traffic load and that it is produced in accordance with the design mixture.

Which Products Is Asphalt Applied To?

Bituminous hot mixes (BSK)
Wearing, binder and bituminous base layers
Stone mastic asphalt (SMA)
Poroz asfalt
Mixtures containing recycled asphalt (RAP)

In Which Sectors Is Asphalt Used?

Oil & GasPetrokimyaEnergyConstructionConstructionPublic Sector

Standards Related to Asphalt

TS EN 13108 series (bituminous mixtures — material specifications)
TS EN 12697-1 (soluble binder content)
TS EN 12697-2 (grain size distribution)
TS EN 12697-6 (sample density)
TS EN 12697-8 (gap specifications)
TS EN 12697-22 (tekerlek izi deneyi)
TS EN 12697-12 (su hassasiyeti)
TS EN 12697-34 (Marshall deneyi)

Asphalt Conditions

Sampling: According to EN 12697-27; A representative is taken from the production or laying point
Clamping: Laboratory samples are compressed using the method defined in the standard.
Tekerlek izi: At defined temperature and number of cycles; Significant effects as a result of temperature
Karot: Thickness and compression ratio are measured in the cores taken from the laid layer.

Equipment for Asphalt

Binder extraction and recovery apparatus
Sieve series and shaking machine
Marshall press and compression hammer
Gyratory compressor
Wheel track test device
Core drilling machine and density measurement devices

Sample Requirements for Asphalt

Production, laying or core sample according to EN 12697-27
Mixture type, design recipe and bitumen class must be declared
If RAP is used, its rate should be specified
Collection point and thickness should be recorded in core samples.

Duration of Asphalt

Binding ratio and granulometry analyzes are completed within a few days. Rutting and water sensitivity experiments take longer due to sample preparation and conditioning.

Asphalt Procedure

1The sample is taken in accordance with the standard and reduced by division.
2The binder is separated by extraction and its ratio is determined.
3Granulometry is performed on the remaining aggregate.
4Laboratory samples are compressed using a defined method.
5Density and void ratios are calculated.
6Marshall, rutting and water sensitivity tests are applied.

Asphalt Acceptance Criteria

The EN 13108 series defines binder ratio, granulometry, void ratio and performance requirements according to mixture type; The final acceptance criteria are determined by the road administration's specifications. Acceptance criteria come from the relevant product specification and vary by season, market and grade. Specification versions are updated; The current limit values to be applied to your product are confirmed in the specification text at the bidding stage.

Evaluation of Results

The void ratio determines the behavior of asphalt: too low void produces rutting and sweating, too high void produces water intrusion, peeling and rapid aging. The compaction rate in cores taken in the field is also evaluated; Even if the laboratory design is appropriate, an inadequately compacted spread will fail prematurely.

Asphalt Report

Mixture type, design recipe and sampling information
Binder ratio and granulometry
Density and void ratios
Marshall stability and yield values
Rutting and water sensitivity results
Thickness and compaction rate in cores

Accreditation

EUROLAB holds internationally recognised accreditation obtained from accreditation bodies party to the IAF and ILAC multilateral recognition arrangements, under ISO/IEC 17025 for laboratory testing, ISO/IEC 17020 for inspection and surveillance, and ISO/IEC 17021-1 and ISO/IEC 17065 for system and product certification. This chain ensures the reports and certificates issued are accepted worldwide.

Whether this test can be offered within accredited scope depends on your product and the standard applied; since accreditation is method-based, the scope is confirmed in writing at the quotation stage.

Scope and authorisations

Related Regulations

Construction Products Regulation (EU) 305/2011

Petroleum, Fuel and Oil Analysis — What Does This Testing Field Cover?

The section below describes the field that the Asphalt test belongs to; the conditions and acceptance criteria of this particular test are given in the sections above. The scope specific to your product is confirmed in writing at the quotation stage.

Petroleum, fuel and oil analysis determines whether a fluid meets its specification and how it behaves in use. Standards in this field consist largely of ASTM and EN publications, with a separate method defined for each parameter.

What distinguishes this family is that product specifications are written as PARAMETER LISTS. Specifications such as EN 590 (diesel), EN 228 (petrol), EN 14214 (biodiesel) and ISO 8217 (marine fuels) state for each parameter both the limit and the method by which that limit is to be measured. If the method changes the result may change too; the specification therefore binds the method as well, and the use of an "equivalent method" is possible only where the specification allows it.

On the fuel side, parameters describe three different properties of the product. Physical properties (density, viscosity, distillation curve, pour point, cloud point) determine pumpability and cold weather behaviour. Combustion properties (cetane number, octane number, calorific value) indicate performance in the engine. Contaminant and stability parameters (sulphur, water, sediment, oxidation stability, copper strip corrosion) affect both emissions and storage life.

Oil analysis is carried out for two different purposes and the two must not be confused. Analysis of NEW oil verifies the conformity of the product to its specification: viscosity index, additive content, flash point. Analysis of USED oil, by contrast, is done to read the condition of the machine — elemental analysis shows wear metals (iron, copper, chromium, aluminium), water and fuel contamination point to leaks, and oxidation and acid number determine the remaining life of the oil.

Used oil analysis is therefore a PREDICTIVE MAINTENANCE tool. The trend of samples taken at regular intervals is followed; it is the trend rather than a single result that is meaningful. Iron levels climbing over the course of months allow intervention before a failure occurs.

Marine fuels are the most active sub-body of the field. The global tightening of sulphur limits has brought new blended fuels onto the market; for these fuels stability, compatibility (whether two fuels form deposits when mixed) and catalytic fines content have become critical parameters.

Sampling is part of the result in this family too. A sample taken from the bottom of a tank shows different water and sediment content from one taken from the upper level; in commercial deliveries the sampling point and method are set by contract.

Method groups in this field

Physical properties
Density (oscillating U-tube and hydrometer), kinematic viscosity, distillation, pour and cloud point, flash point.
Combustion properties
Cetane number and cetane index, research and motor octane number, calorific value.
Sulphur and elements
Sulphur by UV fluorescence and XRF; elemental analysis and additive content by ICP.
Stability and corrosion
Oxidation stability, copper strip corrosion, water and sediment, filter blocking tendency.
Composition analysis
Boiling range distribution by gas chromatography, hydrocarbon types (FIA), benzene and aromatics content, fatty acid methyl ester content.
Used oil
Wear metals, contamination (water, fuel, soot), oxidation, acid and base number, change in viscosity.

Commonly confused in this field

The specification binds the method as well; a result measured by a different method may not be accepted for specification conformity.
A single result on used oil is not meaningful; the decision is made on the trend.
The sampling point determines the result; the tank bottom and the upper level show different water and sediment.
The cetane index is a calculated value and is not the same thing as a measured cetane number.
Fuels blended with biodiesel behave differently in terms of storage life and microbial growth; classical diesel parameters are not sufficient.
Mixing marine fuels from different sources can cause deposits; compatibility is assessed separately.

Which decisions these results support

Conformity of a fuel lot to specification and commercial delivery
Predictive maintenance decisions based on used oil analysis
Determining parameters for customs and tax classification
Quality verification after storage, blending and transport
Compliance with sulphur limits under emissions legislation

Related Tests

Frequently Asked Questions About Asphalt

Why is the rutting experiment so temperature sensitive?

Bitumen is a viscoelastic material and softens as temperature increases. A few degrees difference in test temperature changes the trace depth significantly; That's why temperature control and reporting is mandatory.

Does the use of recycled asphalt (RAP) affect the result?

Effects. The bitumen in RAP is aged and increases the hardness of the mixture. At high RAP rates, binder selection and, if necessary, use of rejuvenators become part of the design.