Bituminous Materials
Bitumen is a versatile, durable and waterproof material widely used in road construction. Its strong adhesive and water-resistant properties make it an essential component in modern infrastructure development. Bituminous materials testing includes:
- Needle penetration - 25° to BS EN 1426:2015
- Softening point - ring and ball method to BS EN 1427:2015
- Recovery of bitumen binders by dichloromethane extraction rotary film evaporator method to BS EN 12697-3:2013+A1:2018
- Cohesion of bituminous binders with pendulum test BS EN 13588:2017
- Complex shear modulus and phase angle-dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) to BS EN 14770:2012
Bituminous Mixtures
Bituminous mixtures are composite materials primarily used in the construction of roads, pavements, and other surfaces, composed mainly of bitumen and aggregates. Bituminous mixture testing we offer at XAIS-PTS includes:
- Preparation of samples for determining binder content, water content and grading to BS EN 12697-28:2020
- Soluble binder content by difference, using bottle rotation machine and pressure filter to BS EN 12697-1:2020
- Soluble binder content by recovery, using bottle rotation machine, bucket centrifuge type 1 and volume calculation to BS EN 12697-1:2020
- Particle size distribution to BS EN 12697-2:2015+A1:2019
- Bulk density BS EN 12697-6:2020 (dry, SSD, sealed or by dimensions) of a core and maximum density to BS EN 12697-5:2009 from which we can find the voids content in accordance with BS EN 12697-8:2018 of a core sample
- Percentage of voids in the mineral aggregate filled with binder (vfb) to BS EN 12697-8:2018
- Voids content in the mineral aggregate (vma) to BS EN 12697-8:2018.
We offer the ability to measure the rut resistance of the asphalt surface course and binder course for R&D purposes and quality control. These tests are in line with BS EN 12697-22:2020 Procedure A and B. We also still provide the old BS wheel tracking rate to BS598-110:1998 for comparison purposes. We have two Coopers small wheel trackers, which means we can turn around samples quickly.
Characteristic Tests
These tests are typically conducted on materials like asphalt, aggregates, and soils, and they assess various properties related to the strength, stability, and longevity of the material. We are equipped with three state-of-the-art Cooper Research Technologies Nottingham Asphalt Testers, capable of performing a comprehensive range of asphalt mixture characteristic tests:
Fatigue Testing
- Method 1: Indirect tensile test on cylindrical specimens, to BS EN 12697-24:2004
- Method 2: Fatigue characteristics using the Indirect Tensile Fatigue Test (ITFT), as per our documented in-house method C6 ITFT Issue 5, dated 24/08/11, based on BS DD ABF: 1995 (non-UKAS)
Stiffness Modulus Testing
- Indirect tension applied to cylindrical specimens (IT-CY) to BS EN 12697-26:2004, Annex C
- Determination of the dimensions of bituminous samples to BS EN 12697-29:2020
Resistance to Permanent Deformation
We offer testing to the withdrawn DD226:1996 standard for resistance to permanent deformation through unconfined dynamic loading under vacuum (VRLAT). This is particularly useful when larger cores cannot be taken, as it helps assess rut susceptibility.
Cyclic Compression Testing
Method B of the cyclic compression test, as specified in EN 12697-25:2016 (non-UKAS). This test is now requested more frequently and replaces the previously withdrawn VRLAT standard.
Additionally, we have the capability to mix asphalt in one of our three mixers, with sizes ranging from 2kg to 75kg, to BS EN 12697-35:2016. For compaction, we offer several options, including vibratory compaction, gyratory compaction (non-UKAS), and 305mm x 305mm slab compaction (non-UKAS).