What is BS EN 12607-2 - TFOT method for bituminous binders about?
BS EN 12607 is a European Standard on bitumen and bituminous binders. The main objective of the BS EN 12607 series is to provide best industry practices to determine the quality and performance of construction materials in order to meet your specific civil engineering needs.
BS EN 12607-2 is the second part of the BS EN 12607 series that specifies a method for measuring the combined effects of heat and air on a film of bitumen or bituminous binder, simulating the hardening that 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 the mixing of warm mix binders.
Additionally, BS EN 12607-2 specifies a method for the determination of the change in mass of oxidized bitumen and hard industrial bitumen after heating. The method is used to detect volatile components.
The method is referred to as TFOT, i.e., Thin Film Oven Test.
Who is BS EN 12607-2 - TFOT method for bituminous binders for?
BS EN 12607-2 on bitumen and bituminous binders is useful for:
- Manufacturers of bitumen and bituminous binders
- Manufacturers and suppliers of construction materials
- Quality control and testing personnel
- Asphalt mixing plants
- Construction industry
- Cement production companies
- Civil engineers
- Contractors
Why should you use BS EN 12607-2 - TFOT method for bituminous binders?
The TFOT method measures the combined effects of heat and air on a thin film of bitumen or bituminous binder in permanent renewal and is utilized for short-term ageing in the Superpave asphalt binder specifications. It simulates the hardening that a binder undergoes during mixing in a mixing plant.
In this regard, BS EN 12607-2 provides the requirements for reagents, materials and apparatus used for the determination of the resistance to be hardening under influence of heat and air.
BS EN 12607-2 covers guidance on the TFOT method and walks you through the test sampling and test procedure.
As a result, if you are a manufacturer of bitumen and bituminous binders BS EN 12607-2-compliant test methods can be beneficial in ensuring the construction materials used play a positive role in making the pavement/road denser and more durable.
What’s changed since the last update?
BS EN 12607-2:2014 supersedes EN 12607-2:2007. BS EN 12607-2:2014 includes some technical changes with respect to EN 12607-2:2007. These include:
- Changed/added wording of the Warning in the Scope
- EN 12595, Bitumen and bituminous binders — Determination of kinematic viscosity has been added to Clause 2
- The reference to the mercury thermometer has been deleted (see subclause 4.2) and Annex A is informative