SIST EN 16659:2026

Bitumen and bituminous binders - Multiple Stress Creep and Recovery Test (MSCRT)

This document specifies a test method for the determination of per cent recovery and non-recoverable creep compliance of bitumens and bituminous binders by means of a Multiple Stress Creep and Recovery (MSCR) test. The MSCR test is conducted using the Dynamic Shear Rheometer (DSR) in creep mode at a specified temperature.
The per cent recovery at multiple shear stress levels is intended to determine the presence of elastic response and the stress dependence of bituminous binders. The non-recoverable creep compliance at multiple shear stress levels is intended as an indicator for the sensitivity to permanent deformation and stress dependence of bituminous binders.
This document is applicable to un-aged, aged, stabilized and recovered bituminous binders. The test procedure in accordance with this document is not applicable for bituminous binders with particles larger than 250 μm (e.g. filler material, granulated rubber).
WARNING — The use of this document can involve hazardous materials, operations and equipment. This document does not purport to address all of the safety problems associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this document to establish appropriate safety and health practices, workers protection, and to determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. The use of this document involves handling of apparatus and binders at very high temperatures.

Bitumen und bitumenhaltige Bindemittel - MSCR-Prüfung (Multiple Stress Creep and Recovery Test)

Dieses Dokument legt ein Prüfverfahren für die Bestimmung der prozentualen Rückformung und der Nachgiebigkeit von Bitumen und bitumenhaltigen Bindemitteln mittels einer MSCR-Prüfung (en: Multiple Stress Creep and Recovery Test) fest. Die MSCR-Prüfung wird bei einer festgelegten Temperatur mit Hilfe des Dynamischen Scherrheometers (DSR, en: Dynamic Shear Rheometer) in der Betriebsart „Kriechen“ durchgeführt.
Die prozentuale Rückformung bei unterschiedlichen Scherspannungsniveaus ist für die Bestimmung des Vorhandenseins einer elastischen Reaktion bei bitumenhaltigen Bindemitteln und deren Spannungsabhängigkeit vorgesehen. Die Nachgiebigkeit bei unterschiedlichen Scherspannungsniveaus ist als Indikator für die Empfindlichkeit des bitumenhaltigen Bindemittels gegenüber bleibenden Verformungen und deren Spannungsabhängigkeit vorgesehen.
Dieses Dokument ist anwendbar für nicht gealterte, gealterte, stabilisierte und rückgewonnene bitumenhaltige Bindemittel. Das Prüfverfahren nach diesem Dokument ist nicht anwendbar für bitumenhaltige Bindemittel mit Partikeln größer als 250 µm (z. B. Füllmaterial, Gummigranulat).
WARNUNG — Die Anwendung dieses Dokuments kann den Einsatz gefährlicher Stoffe, Arbeitsgänge und Geräte bedingen. Dieses Dokument erhebt nicht den Anspruch, alle mit ihrer Anwendung verbundenen Sicherheitsprobleme anzusprechen. Es liegt in der Verantwortung des Anwenders dieses Dokuments, geeignete Sicherheits-, Gesundheits- und Arbeitsschutzmaßnahmen umzusetzen und im Vorfeld die Anwendbarkeit der gesetzlichen Beschränkungen zu bestimmen. Die Anwendung dieses Dokuments schließt den Umgang mit Geräten und Bindemitteln bei sehr hohen Temperaturen ein.

Bitumes et liants bitumineux- Essai de fluage-recouvrance sous contraintes répétées (essai MSCR)

Le présent document spécifie une méthode d'essai qui permet la détermination du pourcentage de recouvrance et de la complaisance en fluage irréversible des bitumes et liants bitumineux au moyen d'un essai de fluage et recouvrance sous contraintes répétées. L'essai MSCR (pour « Multiple Stress Creep and Recovery ») est réalisé à l'aide d'un rhéomètre à cisaillement dynamique DSR (pour « Dynamic Shear Rheometer ») en mode fluage à une température spécifiée.
Le pourcentage de recouvrance à différents niveaux de contrainte en cisaillement est destiné à déterminer la réponse élastique et la susceptibilité à la contrainte en cisaillement des liants bitumineux.
La complaisance en fluage irréversible à différents niveaux de contrainte en cisaillement est destinée à servir d'indicateur de la sensibilité à la déformation permanente et de la susceptibilité en contrainte des liants bitumineux.
Cette méthode est applicable aux liants bitumineux neufs, vieillis, récupérés et stabilisés. La méthode d'essai décrite dans ce document n'est pas applicable aux liants bitumineux contenant des particules de taille supérieure à 250 μm (par exemple : fines, granulats de caoutchouc).
AVERTISSEMENT — L'utilisation de ce document peut impliquer l'utilisation de produits, d'opérations et d'équipements à caractère dangereux. Le présent document n'est pas censé aborder tous les problèmes de sécurité concernés par son usage. Il incombe à son utilisateur d'établir des règles d'hygiène et de sécurité appropriées, de définir les équipements de protection des intervenants et de déterminer l'applicabilité des restrictions réglementaires avant utilisation. L'utilisation de ce document implique la manipulation d'appareillages et d'échantillons de liants à très haute température.

Bitumen in bitumenska veziva - Ponavljajoči obremenilni in razbremenilni preskus lezenja (MSCRT)

Ta dokument določa preskusno metodo za določanje odstotka povrnitve in neobnovljivega lezenja bitumnov in bitumenskih veziv s pomočjo preskusa večkratnega lezenja in povrnitve (Multiple Stress Creep and Recovery - MSCR). MSCR preskus se izvaja z dinamičnim strižnim reometrom (Dynamic Shear Rheometer - DSR) v načinu lezenja pri določeni temperaturi.
Odstotek povrnitve pri več ravneh strižne napetosti je namenjen določanju prisotnosti elastičnega odziva in odvisnosti napetosti bitumenskih veziv. Neobnovljiva skladnost lezenja pri več ravneh strižne napetosti je namenjena kot pokazatelj občutljivosti na trajne deformacije in odvisnosti napetosti bitumenskih veziv.
Ta dokument je uporaben za nepostarane, postarane, stabilizirane in obnovljene bitumenske vezive. Preskusni postopek v skladu s tem dokumentom ni primeren za bitumenska veziva z delci, večjimi od 250 μm (npr. polnilni material, granulirana guma).
OPOZORILO — Uporaba tega dokumenta lahko vključuje nevarne materiale, postopke in opremo. Ta dokument ne obravnava vseh varnostnih problemov, povezanih z njegovo uporabo. Odgovornost uporabnika tega dokumenta je, da vzpostavi ustrezne varnostne in zdravstvene prakse, zaščito delavcev in določi uporabnost regulativnih omejitev pred uporabo. Uporaba tega dokumenta vključuje ravnanje z napravami in vezivi pri zelo visokih temperaturah.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Public Enquiry End Date: 16-Apr-2024
• Publication Date: 11-May-2026
• ICS: 75.140 - Waxes, bituminous materials and other petroleum products
• ICS: 91.100.50 - Binders. Sealing materials
• Technical Committee: VLA - Water proofing
• Current Stage: 6060 - National Implementation/Publication (Adopted Project)
• Start Date: 09-Apr-2026
• Due Date: 14-Jun-2026
• Completion Date: 12-May-2026
• Ref Project: EN 16659:2026 - Bitumens and bituminous binders - Multiple Stress Creep and Recovery Test (MSCRT)

Relations

• Replaces: SIST EN 16659:2016 - Bituminen and Bituminous Binders - Multiple Stress Creep and Recovery Test (MSCRT)
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2026
• Refers: SIST EN 12597:2025 - Bitumen and bituminous binders - Terminology
• Effective Date: 08-Apr-2026
• Refers: SIST EN 14770:2023 - Bitumen and bituminous binders - Determination of complex shear modulus and phase angle - Dynamic Shear Rheometer (DSR)
• Effective Date: 08-Apr-2026
• Refers: SIST EN 12594:2025 - Bitumen and bituminous binders - Preparation of test samples
• Effective Date: 08-Apr-2026

Overview

SIST EN 16659:2026 Bitumens and Bituminous Binders - Multiple Stress Creep and Recovery Test (MSCRT) is a European standard published by CEN that establishes a precise laboratory method for evaluating the per cent recovery and non-recoverable creep compliance of bitumens and bituminous binders. The Multiple Stress Creep and Recovery (MSCR) test is performed using a Dynamic Shear Rheometer (DSR) operating in creep mode at a controlled temperature. This test method plays a vital role in determining the elastic response and stress sensitivity of bituminous binders, serving as key indicators of their resistance to permanent deformation-an essential characteristic for reliable pavement performance.

SIST EN 16659:2026 addresses the testing of a wide range of bituminous materials, including un-aged, aged, stabilized, and recovered binders, provided no particles within the sample exceed 250 μm in size. This standard supersedes EN 16659:2015 and incorporates various technical updates for enhanced clarity and precision.

Key Topics

• Purpose of MSCR Testing:
  The MSCR test quantifies both the elastic recovery (%R) and the non-recoverable creep compliance (Jnr) under multiple stress levels, thus characterizing how bituminous binders respond to repeated traffic loading and potential rutting.

• Test Apparatus and Sample Preparation:

  • Utilizes a Dynamic Shear Rheometer (DSR) with a parallel plate geometry.
  • Requires strict temperature control within the range of 40 °C to 90 °C.
  • Sample preparation follows procedures ensuring material homogeneity and adequate specimen formation.

• Testing Procedure:

  • The specimen is loaded at two distinct shear stresses (0.100 kPa and 3.200 kPa).
  • Repeated cycles (10 at each stress level) measure compliance and recovery.
  • Results express both per cent recovery and non-recoverable compliance at each stress, enabling evaluation of elasticity and deformation resistance.

• Applicability and Limitations:
  Suitable for all bituminous binder types except those containing large particles (e.g. granular rubber, fillers over 250 μm). Emphasizes safety precautions due to handling of materials and equipment at high temperatures.

• Precision and Reporting:

  • Details repeatability and reproducibility, helping laboratories assess quality and confidence in test results.
  • Specifies thorough test reporting, ensuring transparency and traceability.

Applications

SIST EN 16659:2026 delivers substantial practical value across the bitumen, asphalt, and road construction industries:

• Pavement Design and Quality Assurance:
  Assists designers, specifiers, and contractors in selecting binders with superior rutting resistance and appropriate stress responses for various climatic and loading conditions.

• Material Development and Performance Grading:
  Enables binder manufacturers and researchers to assess effects of formulations, additives, and modifiers (such as polymers) on performance traits like elasticity and permanent deformation.

• Regulatory Compliance and Specification:
  Used by national and European regulatory bodies as a reference method for verifying material conformity to performance-based specifications.

• Infrastructure Maintenance and Forensics:
  Supports failure analysis by identifying materials susceptible to rutting, informing maintenance or rehabilitation decisions.

Related Standards

Several standards complement SIST EN 16659:2026, ensuring broad coverage of binder testing and quality control:

• EN 12594:
  Bitumen and bituminous binders - Preparation of test samples

• EN 14770:
  Bitumen and bituminous binders - Determination of complex shear modulus and phase angle: Dynamic Shear Rheometer (DSR)

• EN 58 (historical reference):
  Procedures for identification of bitumen and bituminous binders

Adopting SIST EN 16659:2026 ensures high reliability in the assessment of bitumen rheological properties, ultimately contributing to longer-lasting, more resilient pavements and roadways across Europe.

Standards Content (Sample)

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-junij-2026
Nadomešča:
SIST EN 16659:2016
Bitumen in bitumenska veziva - Ponavljajoči obremenilni in razbremenilni preskus
lezenja (MSCRT)
Bitumen and bituminous binders - Multiple Stress Creep and Recovery Test (MSCRT)
Bitumen und bitumenhaltige Bindemittel - MSCR-Prüfung (Multiple Stress Creep and
Recovery Test)
Bitumes et liants bitumineux- Essai de fluage-recouvrance sous contraintes répétées
(essai MSCR)
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN 16659:2026
ICS:
75.140 Voski, bitumni in drugi naftni Waxes, bituminous materials
proizvodi and other petroleum products
91.100.50 Veziva. Tesnilni materiali Binders. Sealing materials
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

EN 16659
EUROPEAN STANDARD
NORME EUROPÉENNE
March 2026
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
ICS 75.140; 91.100.50 Supersedes EN 16659:2015
English Version
Bitumens and bituminous binders - Multiple Stress Creep
and Recovery Test (MSCRT)
Bitumes et liants bitumineux - Essai de fluage- Bitumen und bitumenhaltige Bindemittel - MSCR-
recouvrance sous contraintes répétées (essai MSCR) Prüfung (Multiple Stress Creep and Recovery Test)
This European Standard was approved by CEN on 9 February 2026.

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, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway,
Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye and
United Kingdom.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION

EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2026 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN 16659:2026 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

Contents Page
European foreword . 3
1 Scope . 5
2 Normative references . 5
3 Terms and definitions . 5
4 Principle . 6
5 Apparatus . 6
6 Preparation of DSR . 7
6.1 Set-up . 7
6.2 Zero gap setting . 7
7 Specimen preparation . 7
7.1 Heating procedure for preparation of the binder . 7
7.2 Specimen manufacturing and storage conditions . 7
8 Procedure. 8
8.1 Specimen placing into the DSR . 8
8.2 Gap setting . 8
8.3 Testing . 9
9 Calculations . 10
10 Expression of results . 11
11 Precision . 12
11.1 General . 12
11.2 Repeatability, r . 13
11.3 Reproducibility, R . 13
12 Report . 13

Bibliography . 15

European foreword
This document (EN 16659:2026) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 336 “Bitumens and
bituminous binders”, the secretariat of which is held by AFNOR.
This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an
identical text or by endorsement, at the latest by September 2026, and conflicting national standards shall
be withdrawn at the latest by September 2026.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CEN shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
This document supersedes EN 16659:2015.
a) throughout the whole document:
— the term “load” was replaced by the term “stress”;
— the wording of shear strain and shear stress was aligned;
b) in Clause 1, the scope has been revised to clarify that the document is not applicable to bituminous
binders with particles larger than 250 μm and the safety waring was revised;
c) in Clause 2, the normative references have been updated including the withdrawal of reference to
EN 58;
d) in Clause 3, the term 3.4 “shear strain” was added; the shear strain is now expressed in per cent
instead of absolute values and the symbol of shear strain was changed from ε to γ;
e) in Clause 4, the testing temperature range was adjusted to [40 to 90] °C and the safety caution, moved
from Clause 7, was added;
f) in 5.1, the minimum range of rheometer control temperature was adjusted to [40 to 90] °C;
g) in 5.2, the dimensions of the silicone mould were defined;
h) in 5.3, the definition of opaque cover was added;
i) Clauses 6, 7 and 8 have been revised in order to align with EN 14770 with regard to DSR zero gap
setting, specimen manufacturing, specimen storage conditions, specimen placing into the rheometer
and gap setting;
j) in 7.1, the heating procedure was simplified with reference to EN 12594;
k) in Clause 8, more detailed information about torque values, pre-loading cycles, more shear stress
levels and subsequent testing at several test temperatures have been provided;
l) in 8.3, Figure 1 has been revised for clarification;
m) in 8.3.1, the testing temperature range was adjusted to [40 to 90] °C and a recommendation for the
testing temperatures was added;
n) in 8.3.5, the requirement for repeating the test with a separate specimen has been introduced so that
the result reported consists in the arithmetic mean of two individual values (see Clause 10);
o) in Clause 9, Figure 2 has been revised for clarification;
p) Clause 11 was revised and complemented with new precision data;
q) Clause 12 was revised for comprehensiveness;
r) Bibliography was added;
s) the document has been editorially revised.
Any feedback and questions on this document should be directed to the users’ national standards body.
A complete listing of these bodies can be found on the CEN website.
According to the CEN-CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organisations of the
following countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia,
Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland,
Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of North
Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye and the United
Kingdom.
1 Scope
This document specifies a test method for the determination of per cent recovery and non-recoverable
creep compliance of bitumens and bituminous binders by means of a Multiple Stress Creep and Recovery
(MSCR) test. The MSCR test is conducted using the Dynamic Shear Rheometer (DSR) in creep mode at a
specified temperature.
The per cent recovery at multiple shear stress levels is intended to determine the presence of elastic
response and the stress dependence of bituminous binders. The non-recoverable creep compliance at
multiple shear stress levels is intended as an indicator for the sensitivity to permanent deformation and
stress dependence of bituminous binders.
This document is applicable to un-aged, aged, stabilized and recovered bituminous binders. The test
procedure in accordance with this document is not applicable for bituminous binders with particles
larger than 250 μm (e.g. filler material, granulated rubber).
WARNING — The use of this document can involve hazardous materials, operations and equipment. This
document does not purport to address all of the safety problems associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this document to establish appropriate safety and health practices, workers
protection, and to determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. The use of this
document involves handling of apparatus and binders at very high temperatures.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
EN 12594, Bitumens and bituminous binders — Preparation of test samples
EN 12597, Bitumens and bituminous binders — Terminology
EN 14770, Bitumen and bituminous binders — Determination of complex shear modulus and phase angle —
Dynamic Shear Rheometer (DSR)
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in EN 12597 and the following apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at https://www.electropedia.org
3.1
creep and recovery
standard rheological test protocol whereby a specimen is subjected to a constant stress for a fixed time
period, then allowed to recover, at zero stress, for a fixed time period
3.2
%R
per cent recovery
recovered shear strain (3.4) in a specimen during the recovery portion of a cycle
3.3
J
nr
non-recoverable creep compliance
residual shear strain in a specimen after a creep and recovery (3.1) cycle divided by the shear stress
applied
3.4
γ
shear strain
deformation of the specimen at the outer edge of the plate-plate measuring geometry caused by
tangential displacement in relation to the gap width
Note 1 to entry: The shear strain is expressed in per cent.
Note 2 to entry: The test results will be relative due to determination of the shear strain at the outer edge of the
plate-plate measuring geometry (fixation of the shear position to 100 %). This means that these results can only be
compared using the same measuring geometry.
4 Principle
This test method is used to determine the presence of elastic response in bitumens and bituminous
binders under creep and recovery at two shear stress levels at a specified temperature. The presence of
this elastic response is determined by measuring the per cent recovery and non-recoverable compliance
of a specimen. Non-recoverable creep compliance has been shown to be an indicator of the resistance of
bitumens and bituminous binders to permanent deformation under repeated load.
The test is conducted at one or more fixed temperatures in the range of 40 °C to 90 °C in a dynamic shear
rheometer (DSR), using the 25 mm parallel plate geometry with a 1 mm gap setting. The specimen is
loaded with 10 creep and recovery cycles at different shear stress levels.
CAUTION — The use of this document involves handling of apparatus and binders at very high
temperatures. Remember always to wear protective eyeglasses, clothes, and gloves, and avoid any
contact with exposed skin.
5 Apparatus
The usual laboratory apparatus and glassware, together with the following, shall be used.
5.1 Dynamic shear rheometer (DSR), as described in EN 14770, either with an integrated
temperature control system or temperature control attachments, capable of controlling the temperature
at least over the range of 40 °C to 90 °C with a maximum permissible error of ± 0,1 °C throughout the test
period.
The DSR shall be fitted with parallel plates with a diameter of (25,00 ± 0,05) mm, with a constant gap
across the area of the plates. The temperature control system shall encompass both plates, to minimize
temperature gradients across the plates. When the test specimen is immersed in a liquid other than
water, ensure that the liquid does not affect the properties of the material being analysed. The DSR shall
run in stress controlled mode and be able to record data at intervals of 0,1 s. The DSR shall also be capable
of recording the shear strain at (1,00 ± 0,05) s and (10,00 ± 0,05) s for each load cycle.
Where the bottom plate is the same diameter as the top plate, a visual check should be made to ensure
the two plates are vertically aligned.
5.2 Moulds or sheet materials, made of silicone or similar material, which does not adhere to the test
specimens during their preparation.
If a mould is used, a mould with a cavity to provide sufficient quantity of binder for adequate filling (8.1)
and gap trimming (8.2) shall be used. A mould of approximately 18 mm in diameter and 2 mm deep has
proved to be appropriate.
Greases or other anti-stick products shall not be used because they can affect the adherence of the
specimen to the DSR plates.
5.3 Opaque cover, of any material p
...