What is BS EN 12697‑54- Curing protocols for bituminous mixtures about?  
BS EN 12697 is a European Standard that discusses bituminous mixtures and related test methods. The main objective of the BS EN 12697 series is to ensure that the quality and performance of bituminous mixtures contributes to the structural integrity of your engineering works.
BS EN 12697‑54 is the 54th part in the series that describes a series of accelerated protocols for curing bituminous mixtures with bitumen emulsion in order to assess their properties.
The protocols should be chosen based on the type of mixture, type of specimen, test to be performed, and conditions at the point of usage.
BS EN 12697‑54 applies to mixtures, specimens, and cores, prepared in the laboratory and/or taken from the worksite.
Who is BS EN 12697‑54- Curing protocols for bituminous mixtures for? 
BS EN 12697‑54 on the curing of specimen is relevant to:
- Manufacturers and suppliers of bituminous mixtures
- Suppliers of construction materials
- Construction industry
- Civil engineers
- Contractors
- Road maintenance authorities
- Testing laboratories
Why should you use BS EN 12697‑54- Curing protocols for bituminous mixtures?  
Several conditioning protocols with as a combination of the temperature, relative humidity, and duration parameters are described with the aim to obtain properties of an asphalt mixture, equivalent to the properties in the field after a certain period of time.
The protocol shall be selected according to temperature, taking into account the softening point of the binder or the mastic of the mixture, to avoid binder fluence or collapses of the compacted
specimens; relative humidity, to ensure proper curing for example mixes containing hydraulic binders; and a duration sufficient to complete the curing process.
The laboratory curing technique was created for bituminous mixtures incorporating bitumen emulsions, but it could also be used for other types of asphalt mixtures that require curing to reach their full-strength potential.
Compliance with BS EN 12697-54 recommended tests can help you assess the curing behaviour of bituminous mixtures which is an important parameter to ensure proper hardening, to attain the required strength and durability of concrete.
