BS EN 12697-46:2020

What is BS EN 12697-46 about?   

BS EN 12697- 46 is the 46th part in the multi-series of European standards that discusses bituminous mixtures. 

BS EN 12697-46 specifies uniaxial tension tests for characterizing the resistance of an asphalt mixture against low-temperature cracking. The results of the uniaxial tension tests can be used to evaluate the following: 

• Tensile strength at a specified temperature, using the uniaxial tension stress test (UTST) 
• The minimum temperature that the asphalt can resist before failure, using the thermal stress restrained specimen test (TSRST) 
• Tensile strength reserve at a specified temperature (using a combination of TSRST and UTST) 
• Relaxation time, using the relaxation test (RT) 
• Creep curve to back-calculate rheological parameters, using the tensile creep tests (TCT) 
• Fatigue resistance at low temperatures due to the combination of cryogenic and mechanical loads, using the uniaxial cyclic tension stress tests (UCTST) 

Who is BS EN 12697-46 for?  

BS EN 12697-46 on uniaxial tension test is relevant 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 12697-46?   

Low-temperature cracking is the most common problem in asphalt pavements constructed in cold climates. The constrained pavement seeks to shrink as the temperature drops. Tensile tensions increase up to a critical point, at which point a fracture appears.  

Uniaxial tension tests are specified in BS EN 12697-46 to characterise an asphalt mixture's resilience to low-temperature cracking. The strength properties of several asphalt mixtures were researched, which can help you better understand the thermal cracking occurrence. 

These provisions are given in BS EN 12697-46 to ensure quality and performance of construction materials, thereby maintaining structural integrity in your engineering works.