What is BS EN 12697‑48 about?  

BS EN 12697‑48 is the 48th part of the multi-series documents that are applicable to bituminous mixtures. BS EN 12697‑48 specifies test methods for determining the bond strength between an asphalt layer and other newly constructed construction layers or existing substrates in road or airfield pavements. The tests can also be applied on laboratory prepared interlayers.

Note: The normative tests described in this document are:

Torque Bond Test (TBT), generally applicable to any layer thicknesses
Shear Bond Test (SBT), generally applicable to layer thicknesses > 15 mm
Tensile Adhesion Test (TAT), generally applicable to layer thicknesses ≤ 15 mm.

Who is BS EN 12697‑48 for? 

BS EN 12697‑48 on bituminous mixtures is applicable to: 

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

Why should you use BS EN 12697‑48?  

Bituminous materials are employed in a variety of applications, including road construction, roofing, waterproofing, and more. The principal application i.e road construction, has the same major challenges as concrete in terms of cost and durability.

A typical pavement structure consists of:

Surface course- the layers in contact with traffic loads
Base course- the layers immediately beneath the surface course
Subbase course- the layers between the base course and subgrade

In order to deliver an efficient and reliable structure, these layers of asphalt need to have a good interlayer bonding. BS EN 12697‑48 lets you conduct several tests to make sure the bonding strength is strong enough. In road or airfield pavements, BS EN 12697-48 stipulates a test method for determining the bond strength between an asphalt layer and other newly constructed construction layers or existing substrates.

The test methods described in BS EN 12697-48 simulate various loading conditions and can be used on various bonds between road construction layers. Through BS EN 12697-48, you will be able to deliver more durable and long-lasting products and services, that could ultimately reduce maintenance requirements while mitigating risk arising from layer delamination or water ingress

BS EN 12697-48:2021

Bituminous mixtures. Test methods - Interlayer Bonding

Current, Under Review

Published:

31 Dec 2021