BS EN 13304 is the European Standard on bitumen and bituminous binders. The main objective of BS EN 13304 is to ensure bitumen and bituminous binders play a positive role in maintaining the structural integrity of your civil engineering works.
BS EN 13304 provides a framework for the specification of oxidised bitumen used mainly in roofing, waterproofing, adhesives and thermal and phonic insulations.
Within Europe several types of oxidised bitumen are used and dependent on climatic conditions, type of building construction and traditional practices, different grades may be used for the same purpose.
The oxidised bitumen products are graded by a combination of the values of ring and ball softening point, and penetration at 25 °C, expressed as multiples of 5.
BS EN 13304 on bitumen and bituminous binders is useful for:
The specification of bitumen shows variation in the safety, solubility, physical properties and durability. Oxidized bitumen is a solid or semi-black solid material and is gradually liquid when heated. Oxidized bitumen grades are blown or oxidized asphalt which is produced by passing air through soft bitumen under controlled temperature conditions.
BS EN 13304 discusses the properties and recommends reference standards for test methods to verify the same. It also provides 8 grades of oxidised bitumen.
The framework given in BS EN 13304 provides a basis for quality agreements to be established between supplier and client.
As a result, you can ensure the oxidised bitumen plays a positive role in roofing and waterproofing solutions, by minimizing the risk of brittleness and cracking.
EN 13304:2009