BS EN 12697‑7 is a European standard and a part of the BS EN 12697 series that discusses the determination of the bulk density of bituminous specimens by gamma rays for bituminous mixtures.
BS EN 12697‑7 specifies a method for measuring the bulk density of pavement mixtures using a transmission-type gamma radiation test bench. This method applies to cylindrical specimens or parallelepipedal blocks, prepared in a laboratory or cut from a pavement. The thickness and the mass absorption coefficient, which is a function of the chemical composition, are known. The thickness of the specimen body traversed by the radiation is between 30 mm and 300 mm.
Note: The method cannot be applied to materials containing slags, with variable metal content or chemical composition.
BS EN 12697‑7 on bituminous specimens by gamma rays applies to:
Bituminous mixtures, which are also called asphalt mixtures, are the combinations of aggregates with different gradations, filler types, content, and hardness with bitumen of different grades and quantities.
BS EN 12697‑7 provides you with the bulk density measurements in the laboratory which helps you in the test method for bituminous specimens by using gamma rays which is a method that does not affect the properties of the material. It allows the plotting of a density chart or gradient. BS EN 12697‑7 also provides you with the apparatus which applies to the use of gamma rays including an emitter-source unit and receiving unit, several lead collimators, a measurement chain including a count unit and a processing chain and a technical note.
BS EN 12697‑7 provides you with the principle in which the method is based upon the absorption of gamma radiation by the material under the conditions of the test described in BS EN 12697‑7 and for materials such as bituminous mixtures. Overall, BS EN 12697‑7 helps you to build consumer trust and confidence in the product.
BS EN 12697‑7:2022 supersedes BS EN 12697‑7:2014, which is withdrawn. It includes:
EN 12697-7