Various international organizations have established standards for bitumen, including ASTM, AASHTO, CEN, IS, and AS. These standards help ensure consistency and quality in the production and use of bitumen around the world. Let’s take a closer look at each of these standards:
1. American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM):
This is an international institution based in America that is not affiliated with the government. It is responsible for developing and publishing standards for a wide range of materials and services.
2. American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO):
provides rules and guidelines for designing and constructing transportation infrastructure, particularly highways. United States transportation policies and laws are conformable to AASHTO.
3. European Committee for Standardization (CEN):
a public institution established to promote the economy of the European continent on a global scale. CEN is responsible for developing, maintaining, and distributing consistent standard testing in a cost-effective and environmentally friendly manner. Deutsche Industrie Norm (DIN EN), Association Française de Normalisation (AFNOR – NF EN), and BSI Standards – the UK’s National Standards Body (NSB – BS EN) are sub-branches of this institution.
4. Indian Bureau Standard (IS):
This standard has been developed to improve the quality of food production, chemicals, electrical, and mechanical disciplines. IS provides material production certificates to domestic and foreign manufacturers and Indian importers.
5. Standards Australia (AS):
This non-profit and non-governmental Australian standards organization represents Australia in the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). AS publishes and promotes technical, product, and service standards.
Standard Codes for Each Property of Bitumen:
Below is a list of the most common methods used to test refined bitumen characteristics and standard codes for each property:
Penetration Test
- ASTM D5
- ASTM D 946 and AASHTO M 20 (Penetration @ 25°C)
- EN 12591 (Penetration @ 25°C) ? NF EN; BS EN; DIN EN; etc.
- EN 1426
Softening Point Test
- ASTM D36 (the most common)
- ASTM E28-67 / E28-99
- ASTM D 6493 – 11
- IS 1205
- EN 1427
Ductility Test
- ASTM D133
- ASTM D 6084
- AASHTO T51
- IS 1208
- EN 13589
- EN 13703
Viscosity Test
- Industrial viscosity
- IS 1206 (I)
- EN 12846-1
- EN 12846-2
- Absolute or dynamic viscosity
- ASTM D2171
- ASTM D4402
- AASHTO T202-03
- AASHTO T316-06
- EN 12596 dynamic at 60
- EN 13302
- IS 1206 (II)
- Kinematic viscosity
- ASTM D2170
- ASTM D2161
- ASTM D445
- AASHTO T201-03
- EN 12595 kinematic at 135
- IS 1206 (III)
Specific Gravity Test
- ASTM D 70
- AASHTO T 228
- IS 1202
- EN 15326
Solubility Test
- ASTM D 2042
- AASHTO T 44
- IS 1216
Flash and Fire Point Test
- ASTM D 92
- ASTM D 93
- ASTMD 3143
- ASTM D8254
- AASHTO 48
- AASHTO 79
- EN ISO 2592
- IS 1448
- IS 1209
Loss on Heating Test
- ASTM D6
- ASTM D1754
- IS 1212
- AASHTO T 47
- AASHTO T179
- EN 13303
Spot Test
- AASHTO T 102
Float Test
- ASTM D139
- IS 1210
Prepared by Rumays specialists group.