BS EN 12697-5:2018

What is BS EN 12697-5-Maximum density of bituminous mixtures about?    

BS EN 12697 is a European Standard that discusses bituminous mixtures and related test methods. The main objective of the BS EN 12697 series is to ensure that the quality and performance of bituminous mixtures contributes to the structural integrity of your engineering works. 

BS EN 12697- 5 is the 5th part of the series that specifies test methods for determining the maximum density of a bituminous mixture (voiceless mass). It specifies a volumetric procedure, a hydrostatic procedure and a mathematical procedure. 

Note: General guidance on the selection of a test procedure to determine the maximum density of a bituminous mixture is given in Annex A. 

Who is BS EN 12697-5- Maximum density of bituminous mixtures for?   

BS EN 12697-5 on the determination of the maximum density is relevant to:   

• Manufacturers and suppliers of bituminous mixtures   
• Suppliers of construction materials   
• Construction industry 
• Contractors and civil engineers  
• Road maintenance authorities 
• Quality control and testing personnel   

Why should you use BS EN 12697-5- Maximum density of bituminous mixtures?    

Bituminous mixtures, also known as asphalt mixtures, are widely used as construction materials, that impart durability and structural strength to the end-application. BS EN 12697-5 defines maximum density as the mass per unit volume without air voids of the bituminous mixture, while the bulk density is defined as the mass per unit volume including the air voids of a specimen. Together, the maximum density, with the bulk density, is used to calculate the air voids content of a compacted sample and other volumetric-related properties of a compacted bituminous mixture. 

BS EN 12697-5 walks you through the three test procedures and their respective calculations. 

The test methods described under BS EN 12697-5 are intended for use with loose bituminous mixtures containing paving grade bitumen, modified binders or other bituminous binders used for bituminous mixtures. The tests are suitable for both fresh and aged bituminous mixtures. 

Overall, compliance with these test methods can help demonstrate the quality and performance of bituminous mixtures and whether or not they are fit for purpose. As a result, a mixture designed in accordance to these guidelines can ensure that just enough air void is present so to prevent rutting as well as prevent permeability of water and air.  

What’s changed since the last update?   

BS EN 12697-5:2020 supersedes BS EN 12697‑5:2009, which is withdrawn.  The following is a list of significant technical changes since the previous edition: 

• The title no longer makes the method exclusively for hot mix asphalt 
• [5.1] Demineralized water was added as an option, including [9.2.3], [9.2.5], [9.3.3] 
• [7.3] New subclause and NOTE introduced, describing the recording of thickness before cutting and cutting of cored samples 
• [10.1.2] Formula (1) amended according to corrigendum EN 12697-5:2009/AC:2012 
• [10.3] The density of water amended to the nearest “0,0001” Mg/m3 in accordance with [10.1.2] change includes also [10.2], [B.5.5] and [C.7] 
• [10.4] Symbols for binder density and binder content changed to harmonise with other standards [10.4.1 and 10.4.2] Formula (4) and (5) amended to include also the proportion of additive paragraph added, explaining that a completely dry state is to be considered for additives absorbing water 
• [A.2.5] New subclause describing when the use of solvent is not suitable; explanatory NOTE added 
• [Annex B] Symbols for binder density and binder content changed in order to harmonize with other standards