CEN/TC 336/WG 4 - Modified bitumens

This European standard specifies a method  for determining the conventional energy of bitumen binders from traction characteristics.

This European standard specifies a method for determining the tensile properties of a bituminous binder, in particular those of a polymer modified bitumen, by means of a tensile test. NOTE: The tensile properties, more particularly the tensile strength and elongation, at the yield point and on fracture, are customarily used as a criterion for assessing the quality of these materials.

This European Standard specifies a method for measuring the stability of a modified bitumen at high temperatures. Note 1: Modified bitumen and, in particular, polymer-modified bitumen, which consist of mainly bitumen and at least one additional agent, are known to display phase separation under certain conditions.

This European Standard specifies a method for determining the polymer distribution in a polymer modified bitumen by fluorescent microscopy. NOTE: Sample preparation and treatment have an important influence on the test results and it is necessary to follow strictly the method described to achieve comparable results.

This European Standard specifies a method for determining the dynamic viscosity of a bituminous binder over a range of temperatures by means of a cone and plateviscosimeter. NOTE:Unlike penetration grade bitumen, polymer modified bitumens (PmB) do not show a straight line on the Heukelom-Diagram. This implies that in order to obtain information about the temperature susceptibility of PmB's, viscosity should be measured at different temperatures.

This European Standard specifies a method for the determination of the elastic recovery of bituminous binders in a ductilometer at a given temperature. It is especially applicable to bituminous binders modified with thermoplastic elastomers, but may also be used with other bituminous binders which generate only small recovery. It also provides a suitable means to determine the heat resistance of thermoplastic elastomers in modified binders under specified thermal stress according to EN 1427.

This European Standard provides a framework for specifying the characteristics and relevant test methods for polymer modified bitumens which are suitable for use in the construction and maintenance of roads, airfields and other paved areas.
This framework covers the following characteristics:
-   "Consistency at intermediate service temperature" (surrogate characteristic: penetration);
-   "Consistency at elevated service temperature" (surrogate characteristic: softening point);
-   "Cohesion";
-   "Durability" of consistency.
The cohesion property has been included as a means of discriminating between polymer modified bitumens and other bituminous binders. The other essential requirements, "adhesion" and "setting ability" are indicated by tests carried out on the finished asphalt mixtures.
The introduction of classes of convenience in Tables 1 and 2 enables the selection of the most suitable specification for the bitumen taking account of local conditions of climate and use. The nomenclature of polymer modified bitumens comprises the penetration range and the minimum softening point (see example in Annex A).

This European Standard specifies a method for determining the dynamic viscosity of a bituminous binder over a range of temperatures by means of coaxial viscometer. NOTE:Unlike penetration-grade bitumen, polymer modified bitumens (PmB's) do not show a straight line on the Heukelom-Diagram. This implies that in order to obtain information about the temperature suceptibility of PmB's, viscosity should be measured at different temperatures.

This European Standard specifies a method for measuring the cohesion of bituminous binders at temperatures in the range of -20 °C to 80 °C and for expressing the relationship between cohesion and temperature.
This method is applicable for pure bitumen, modified bitumen and fluxed bitumen; in the case of fluxed bitumen, the test can be performed on the binder containing fluxant or on binder from which the solvent has been removed. For bitumen emulsions, the test is carried out on the residual binder obtained after recovery and the method used to recover the binder should be reported.
WARNING - The use of this European Standard may 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 establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

This European Standard specifies a method for determining the tensil properties of a bituminous binder, in particular those of polymer-modified bitumens by means of a force ductility test. NOTE: The tensile properties, more particularly the tensile strength and elongation, at the yield point and on fracture, are customarily used as a criterion for assessing the quality of these materials.