What is BS EN 13588 - Determine cohesion of bituminous binders with pendulum test about?
BS EN 13588 discusses the method for determination of cohesion of bituminous binders with the pendulum test. BS EN 13588 specifies a method for measuring the cohesion of bituminous binders at temperatures in the range of (+ 10 °C) to (+ 70 °C) and for expressing the relationship between cohesion and temperature.
In the case of cut-back and fluxed bituminous binders and for bituminous emulsions, the tested binder may be the result of a specific distillation, recovery and/or stabilization procedure.
Note: BS EN 13588 may also be applied to binders which have undergone a specific ageing procedure.
WARNING — The use of BS EN 13588 may involve hazardous materials, operations, and equipment. BS EN 13588 does not purport to address all the safety problems associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of BS EN 13588 to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
Who is BS EN 13588 - Determine cohesion of bituminous binders with pendulum test for?
BS EN 13588 on the cohesion of bituminous binders with pendulum test is useful for:
- Manufacturers of bitumen and binders
- Construction companies
- Builders
- Civil engineers
Why should you use BS EN 13588 - Determine cohesion of bituminous binders with pendulum test?
The cohesion is one of the measures of the performance of a bituminous binder. It is important to use binders which have a sufficient level of cohesion according to the level of traffic to be supported.
Cohesion test with the pendulum has originally been developed for surface dressing however it can be used for any type of binder which is to be used in different types of road applications. BS EN 13588 provides knowledge of cohesion enables the choice of binder type for given traffic and site conditions.
BS EN 13588 allows you to deliver high-quality and durable materials and binding agents that can enhance the service-life of end-product.
With obedience and compliance to BS EN 13588, you can efficiently manufacture high-quality bituminous binders. In this manner, you can make sure that your products consistently meet and exceed quality expectations.
What is changed since the last update?
BS EN 13588:2017 supersedes BS EN 13588:2008, which is withdrawn.
BS EN 13588:2017 includes some technical changes with respect to BS EN 13588:2008.
These include:
- More extensive description of the types of binders to which the test is applicable and reduction of the scope in terms of temperature range
- Dials graduated in grades and equipment with digital display are allowed
- Clarification on the estimated number of needed test assemblies
- Greater emphasis is given to the control and reporting of the thermal history of the test sample
- Clarification on the number of test assemblies to be tested and the definition of a valid result
- Possibility is given for a simplified determination of an average value for α’
- Improved explanations on special precautions which may have to be taken

