BS EN 12697-12:2018

What is BS EN 12697-12 - Determination of the water sensitivity of bituminous specimens about?  

BS EN 12697-12 is the 12th part of the BS EN 12697 series of standards that discusses methods for the determination of the water sensitivity of bituminous specimens. BS EN 12697-12 specifies three test methods for determining the effect of saturation and accelerated water conditioning: 

• Method A uses the indirect tensile strength of cylindrical specimens of bituminous mixtures 
• Method B uses the compression strength of cylindrical specimens of bituminous mixtures 
• Method C defines the bonding value for a bituminous mixture 1 h after mixing, where the bonding of bitumen and aggregate can be equated to a bonding value 

Method C is suitable for soft asphalt with bitumen of kinematic viscosity at 60 °C of 4 000 mm2/s or less. 

BS EN 12697-12 can be used to evaluate the effect of water on asphalt mixtures with or without anti-stripping additives including liquids, such as amines; and fillers, such as hydrated lime or cement. 

Who is BS EN 12697-12 - Determination of the water sensitivity of bituminous specimens for? 

BS EN 12697-12 on the determination of the water sensitivity of bituminous specimens is useful for: 

• Manufacturers and suppliers of bituminous mixtures and asphalt  
• Suppliers of construction materials  
• Construction and civil engineers  
• Contractors  
• Road maintenance authorities 

Why should you use BS EN 12697-12 - Determination of the water sensitivity of bituminous specimens?  

Bituminous materials are employed in a variety of applications, including road construction, roofing, waterproofing, and more.   

BS EN 12697-12 specifies a method to evaluate water sensitivity which will help to determine the tensile strength ratio of bituminous specimens. Moisture damage in bituminous mixes refers to the loss of serviceability due to the presence of moisture.   

Through BS EN 12697-12, you will be able to deliver more durable and long-lasting products and services that could reduce maintenance requirements while mitigating risk arising from layer delamination or water ingress. 

What is changed since the last update?  

BS EN 12697-12:2018 supersedes BS EN 12697‑12:2008, which is withdrawn. 

BS EN 12697-12:2018 includes some technical changes with respect to BS EN 12697‑12:2008. These include: 

• The structure of the standard has been altered, describing each method separately 
• Description added of procedure for determining specimen volume, used for calculation of the degree of swelling  
• Changed conditioning temperature for soft grade bitumen 
• Description and requirements for compression testing machine and measuring device added 
• Modification of tolerance for the constant load. Introduction of Table 2 with Static compaction parameters