EN 12607-3:2014
(Main)Bitumen and bituminous binders - Determination of the resistance to hardening under influence of heat and air - Part 3: RFT method
General Information
- Abstract
This part of EN 12607 specifies a method for measuring the combined effects of heat and air on a thin moving film of bitumen or bituminous binder, simulating the hardening which most bituminous binders undergo during mixing in an asphalt mixing plant. The method is suitable for other bituminous binders than paving grade bitumen, but the reference temperature might give excessive hardening that does not resemble real conditions during mixing at the plant. The method may not represent the hardening that occurs during mixing of warm mix binders.
The method is referred to as RFT, i.e. Rotating Flask Test.
WARNING - Use of this European Standard can involve hazardous materials, operations and equipment. This European Standard does not purport to address all of the safety problems associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this European standard to identify the hazards and assess the risks involved in performing this test method and to implement sufficient control measures to protect individual operators (and the environment). This includes appropriate safety and health practices and determination of the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
If there is a likelihood of volatile components being present in a binder, this procedure should not be used. It should not be used for cut-back bitumen or bituminous emulsions before these products have been stabilized, e.g. in accordance with EN 13074 2.
If there is a likelihood of volatile components being present in a binder, this procedure should not be used. It should not be used for cut-back bitumen or bituminous emulsions before these products have been stabilized, e.g. in accordance with EN 13074 2.
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 04-Nov-2014
- Technical Committee
- CEN/TC 336 - Bituminous binders
- Drafting Committee
- CEN/TC 336/WG 1 - Bituminous binders for paving
- Current Stage
- 9093 - Decision to confirm - Review Enquiry
- Start Date
- 06-Jun-2026
- Completion Date
- 17-Sep-2026
- Directive
- Harmonized Standard305/2011 - Regulation (eu) No 305/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 march 2011 laying down harmonised conditions for the marketing of construction products and repealing council directive 89/106/eec
Not Harmonized89/106/EEC - Construction products
Overview
EN 12607-3:2014, issued by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN), defines the Rotating Flask Test (RFT) method for assessing the resistance of bitumen and bituminous binders to hardening under heat and air exposure. This standard simulates the hardening process that bituminous materials undergo during asphalt mixing in plants. It evaluates changes in physical and chemical properties caused by thermal aging in air, reflecting real-world production conditions for paving-grade bitumen and other binders.
This standard is critical for quality control and performance evaluation of bituminous binders to ensure durable pavement construction. The RFT method complements other standardized tests by focusing on thin-film oxidation and aging under controlled heating and airflow conditions.
Key Topics
Scope of Testing
The method measures combined heat and air effects on a thin, moving film of bitumen or bituminous binder. It primarily applies to paving grade bitumen but can test other binders with caution regarding possible over-hardening due to reference temperature settings.Test Principle
The bituminous sample is rotated in a flask immersed in a heated oil bath at approximately 165 °C. An airflow is passed through the rotating film, simulating oxidation and hardening as found in asphalt mixing plants.Safety Considerations
Handling bituminous binders and operating laboratory equipment under elevated temperatures present hazards. Users must perform risk assessments and apply adequate safety measures. The method is not suitable for binders with volatile components, cut-back bitumen, or unstable emulsions unless previously stabilized.Apparatus Requirements
Key equipment includes a rotary evaporator with a 1000 ml round-bottom flask, flow control devices to maintain accurate air delivery (~500 ml/min), thermostatically regulated oil baths, ovens, temperature sensors, and high-precision balances. Proper calibration and environmental control are essential for valid results.Sample Preparation and Testing
Samples must be homogeneous and free from water contamination as per EN 58 and EN 12594. The test involves weighing samples before and after aging, maintaining precise temperatures, controlling airflow, and rotating the sample flask to prevent film skin formation.Result Measurement and Calculation
Post-test evaluations use changes in mass and physical properties such as penetration (EN 1426), softening point (EN 1427), or dynamic viscosity (EN 12596, EN 13302). The percentage change in mass and alterations in binder properties quantify hardening effects.
Applications
Quality Assurance in Asphalt Production
EN 12607-3:2014 helps producers monitor bitumen aging that affects asphalt durability, ensuring consistent binder performance during mixing and paving.Binder Development and Testing
This standard aids in comparative evaluation of new bituminous formulations, modified binders, and additives regarding their thermal oxidative stability.Compliance and Regulatory Testing
Applicable across European countries adhering to CEN standards, the RFT provides standardized data to support specifications and contractual requirements for road construction materials.Research and Material Characterization
Laboratories employ the test to study aging mechanisms and correlate laboratory results with field performance of pavements, fostering innovation and improved binder technologies.
Related Standards
EN 12607 Parts 1 & 2
- Part 1: Rolling Thin Film Oven Test (RTFOT) - another method evaluating binder aging under heat and air.
- Part 2: Thin Film Oven Test (TFOT) - used for assessing resistance to hardening by heat and air but with static thin films.
EN 1426 & EN 1427
- Methods for measuring needle penetration and softening point of bituminous binders, respectively, essential for pre- and post-aging property characterization.
EN 12594 & EN 58
- Standards covering preparation and sampling of bituminous binders to ensure representative and consistent test materials.
EN 12596 & EN 13302
- Protocols for determining dynamic viscosity of bituminous binders using vacuum capillary and rotating spindle apparatuses for flow property analysis before and after RFT aging.
EN 13074-2
- Specifications for stabilizing cut-back bitumen and bituminous emulsions before testing, relevant for avoiding misleading results in RFT when volatile content is present.
EN 12607-3:2014 offers a practical and reliable laboratory method to simulate and measure the hardening effect of heat and air on bitumen binders, supporting enhanced durability and performance of asphalt pavements through improved material characterization and quality control.
Relations
- Effective Date
- 16-Nov-2014
- Effective Date
- 27-May-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Referred By
EN 13924:2006 - Bitumen and bituminous binders - Specifications for hard paving grade bitumens - Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
Get Certified
Connect with accredited certification bodies for this standard
DIBt (Deutsches Institut für Bautechnik)
German Institute for Building Technology.
DIN CERTCO
DIN Group product certification.
Element Materials Technology
Materials testing and product certification.
Sponsored listings
Frequently Asked Questions
EN 12607-3:2014 is a standard published by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). Its full title is "Bitumen and bituminous binders - Determination of the resistance to hardening under influence of heat and air - Part 3: RFT method". This standard covers: This part of EN 12607 specifies a method for measuring the combined effects of heat and air on a thin moving film of bitumen or bituminous binder, simulating the hardening which most bituminous binders undergo during mixing in an asphalt mixing plant. The method is suitable for other bituminous binders than paving grade bitumen, but the reference temperature might give excessive hardening that does not resemble real conditions during mixing at the plant. The method may not represent the hardening that occurs during mixing of warm mix binders. The method is referred to as RFT, i.e. Rotating Flask Test. WARNING - Use of this European Standard can involve hazardous materials, operations and equipment. This European Standard does not purport to address all of the safety problems associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this European standard to identify the hazards and assess the risks involved in performing this test method and to implement sufficient control measures to protect individual operators (and the environment). This includes appropriate safety and health practices and determination of the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. If there is a likelihood of volatile components being present in a binder, this procedure should not be used. It should not be used for cut-back bitumen or bituminous emulsions before these products have been stabilized, e.g. in accordance with EN 13074 2. If there is a likelihood of volatile components being present in a binder, this procedure should not be used. It should not be used for cut-back bitumen or bituminous emulsions before these products have been stabilized, e.g. in accordance with EN 13074 2.
This part of EN 12607 specifies a method for measuring the combined effects of heat and air on a thin moving film of bitumen or bituminous binder, simulating the hardening which most bituminous binders undergo during mixing in an asphalt mixing plant. The method is suitable for other bituminous binders than paving grade bitumen, but the reference temperature might give excessive hardening that does not resemble real conditions during mixing at the plant. The method may not represent the hardening that occurs during mixing of warm mix binders. The method is referred to as RFT, i.e. Rotating Flask Test. WARNING - Use of this European Standard can involve hazardous materials, operations and equipment. This European Standard does not purport to address all of the safety problems associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this European standard to identify the hazards and assess the risks involved in performing this test method and to implement sufficient control measures to protect individual operators (and the environment). This includes appropriate safety and health practices and determination of the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. If there is a likelihood of volatile components being present in a binder, this procedure should not be used. It should not be used for cut-back bitumen or bituminous emulsions before these products have been stabilized, e.g. in accordance with EN 13074 2. If there is a likelihood of volatile components being present in a binder, this procedure should not be used. It should not be used for cut-back bitumen or bituminous emulsions before these products have been stabilized, e.g. in accordance with EN 13074 2.
EN 12607-3:2014 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 75.140 - Waxes, bituminous materials and other petroleum products; 91.100.50 - Binders. Sealing materials. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
EN 12607-3:2014 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to EN 12607-3:2007, EN 1427:2026, EN 12596:2023, EN 1425:2012, EN 58:2012, EN 13302:2018, EN 1426:2024, EN 12594:2024, EN 1427:2015, EN 14769:2023, EN 12594:2014, EN 13924:2006, EN 12594:2007. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
EN 12607-3:2014 is associated with the following European legislation: EU Directives/Regulations: 305/2011, 89/106/EEC; Standardization Mandates: M/124. When a standard is cited in the Official Journal of the European Union, products manufactured in conformity with it benefit from a presumption of conformity with the essential requirements of the corresponding EU directive or regulation.
EN 12607-3:2014 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.Bitumen und bitumenhaltige Bindemittel - Bestimmung der Beständigkeit gegen Verhärtung unter Einfluss von Wärme und Luft - Teil 3: RFT-VerfahrenBitumes et liants bitumineux - Détermination de la résistance au durcissement sous l'effet de la chaleur et de l'air - Partie 3: Méthode RFTBitumen and bituminous binders - Determination of the resistance to hardening under influence of heat and air - Part 3: RFT method91.100.50Veziva. Tesnilni materialiBinders. Sealing materials75.140Voski, bitumni in drugi naftni proizvodiWaxes, bituminous materials and other petroleum productsICS:Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z:EN 12607-3:2014SIST EN 12607-3:2014en,fr,de01-december-2014SIST EN 12607-3:2014SLOVENSKI
STANDARDSIST EN 12607-3:20071DGRPHãþD
EUROPEAN STANDARD NORME EUROPÉENNE EUROPÄISCHE NORM
EN 12607-3
November 2014 ICS 75.140; 91.100.50 Supersedes EN 12607-3:2007English Version
Bitumen and bituminous binders - Determination of the resistance to hardening under influence of heat and air - Part 3: RFT method
Bitumes et liants bitumineux - Détermination de la résistance au durcissement sous l'effet de la chaleur et de l'air - Partie 3: Méthode RFT
Bitumen und bitumenhaltige Bindemittel - Bestimmung der Beständigkeit gegen Verhärtung unter Einfluss von Wärme und Luft - Teil 3: RFT-Verfahren This European Standard was approved by CEN on 16 August 2014.
CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre or to any CEN member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre has the same status as the official versions.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and United Kingdom.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG
CEN-CENELEC Management Centre:
Avenue Marnix 17,
B-1000 Brussels © 2014 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CEN national Members. Ref. No. EN 12607-3:2014 ESIST EN 12607-3:2014
Characteristics of thermometer. 10 Bibliography . 11
...