What is BS EN 12697-11 about?
BS EN 12697-11 is the 11th part in the multi-series of European standards that is applicable to the bituminous mixtures.
BS EN 12697-11 specifies procedures for the determination of the affinity between aggregate and bitumen and its influence on the susceptibility of the combination to stripping. This property is intended to be of assistance to the designer for mixture design rather than as a typing test.
The rolling bottle test is a simple but subjective test and is suitable for routine testing. It is not appropriate for aggregates that are highly abrasive.
The static test is a simple, though subjective test that is generally less precise, that can cope with high PSV-aggregates.
The boiling water stripping test is an objective test and has high precision. However, it is a more specialist test because it requires the greater skill of the operatives and uses chemicals as reagents.
Note: The boiling water stripping test procedure can be used for any binder-aggregate combinations in which the mineral aggregate is calcareous, silico-calcareous or siliceous by nature.
Who is BS EN 12697-11 for?
BS EN 12697-11 on determining the affinity between aggregate and bitumen is relevant to:
- Manufacturers and suppliers of bituminous mixtures
- Suppliers of construction materials
- Construction and civil engineers
- Contractors
- Road maintenance authorities
- Testing laboratories
- Designers for mixtures
Why should you use BS EN 12697-11?
The affinity between aggregates and bitumen is a vital parameter influencing the durability of the asphalt mixture.
BS EN 12697-11 defines techniques for determining the affinity between aggregate and bitumen and its impact on the combination's susceptibility to stripping. BS EN 12697-11 is meant to aid the designer in mixture design rather than to serve as a typing test.
The method is given in BS EN 12697-11 assists you in assessing the impact of moisture on a specific aggregate-binder combination with or without adhesion agents such as amines and fillers such as hydrated lime or cement.
As the buyer of BS EN 12697-11, you can be assured of optimal affinity of bitumen and aggregates that positively affects qualities like water-tightness and resistance to the hardening process. As a result, overall quality, performance and service-life of the road/pavements is enhanced.
What’s changed since the last update?
BS EN 12697-11:2020 supersedes BS EN 12697‑11:2012, which is withdrawn. BS EN 12697-11:2020 includes some technical changes with respect to BS EN 12697-11:2012. These include:
- The title no longer makes the method exclusively for hot mix asphalt
- [5.1.5] alternative procedure for addition of adhesion agent by using a syringe introduced. Change of title for 5.1.5. The following clauses were renumbered accordingly
- [5.1.13] clarified that the speed requirements refer to bottle rather than machine rotation
- [5.2.3.4] clarified procedure for the addition of liquid adhesion agents with time limits including a description for the addition of small amounts (less than 0,4 g). Clarified that the weighed amount of adhesive agent shall be reported in the test report. Description of the evaluation of heat stability of adhesion agents introduced

