What is BS EN 12697-46 about?
BS EN 12697- 46 is the 46th part in the multi-series of European standards that discusses bituminous mixtures.
BS EN 12697-46 specifies uniaxial tension tests for characterizing the resistance of an asphalt mixture against low-temperature cracking. The results of the uniaxial tension tests can be used to evaluate the following:
- Tensile strength at a specified temperature, using the uniaxial tension stress test (UTST)
- The minimum temperature that the asphalt can resist before failure, using the thermal stress restrained specimen test (TSRST)
- Tensile strength reserve at a specified temperature (using a combination of TSRST and UTST)
- Relaxation time, using the relaxation test (RT)
- Creep curve to back-calculate rheological parameters, using the tensile creep tests (TCT)
- Fatigue resistance at low temperatures due to the combination of cryogenic and mechanical loads, using the uniaxial cyclic tension stress tests (UCTST)
Who is BS EN 12697-46 for?
BS EN 12697-46 on uniaxial tension test is relevant to:
- Manufacturers and suppliers of bituminous mixtures and asphalt
- Asphalt refining plants
- Suppliers of construction materials
- Construction and civil engineers
- Contractors
- Road maintenance authorities
Why should you use BS EN 12697-46?
Low-temperature cracking is the most common problem in asphalt pavements constructed in cold climates. The constrained pavement seeks to shrink as the temperature drops. Tensile tensions increase up to a critical point, at which point a fracture appears.
Uniaxial tension tests are specified in BS EN 12697-46 to characterise an asphalt mixture's resilience to low-temperature cracking. The strength properties of several asphalt mixtures were researched, which can help you better understand the thermal cracking occurrence.
These provisions are given in BS EN 12697-46 to ensure quality and performance of construction materials, thereby maintaining structural integrity in your engineering works.