What is BS EN 12697-6 about?  
BS EN 12697- 6 is the sixth part in the multi-series of documents on bituminous mixtures.
BS EN 12697-6 specifies test methods for determining the bulk density of a compacted bituminous specimen. The test methods are intended for use with laboratory compacted specimens or specimens from the pavement after placement and compacting, either by coring or sawing.
BS EN 12697-6 specifies the following four procedures, the choice of which is used is dependent on the estimated content and accessibility of voids in the specimen:
- bulk density — dry (for specimens with a very closed surface)
- bulk density — saturated surface dry (SSD) (for specimens with a closed surface)
- bulk density — sealed specimen (for specimens with an open or coarse surface)
- bulk density by dimensions (for specimens with a regular surface and with geometric shapes, i.e., squares, rectangles, cylinders, etc.).
Note: Annex A (informative) gives general guidance on selecting the appropriate procedure.
Who is BS EN 12697-6 for? 
BS EN 12697-6 on the determination of bulk density of bituminous specimens is relevant to:
- Manufacturers and suppliers of bituminous mixtures
- Suppliers of construction materials
- Construction industry
- Civil engineers
- Contractors
- Road maintenance authorities
Why should you use BS EN 12697-6?  
The bulk density of an intact compacted bituminous specimen is determined from the mass of the specimen and its volume. The mass of the specimen is obtained by weighing the dry specimen in the air.
The test methods given in BS EN 12697-6 are designed for use with laboratory compacted materials or specimens taken from the pavement following coring or sawing. It can assist you in preventing specimen damage throughout the separation procedure.
With BS EN 12697-6, the bulk density of the samples can be checked to ensure that the air voids content is within the method's stated range.
By adopting BS EN 12697-6, you can be assured of optimal affinity of bitumen and aggregates that positively affect qualities like water tightness and resistance to the hardening process. As a result, the overall quality, performance, and service life of the road/pavements are enhanced.
What’s changed since the last update?
BS EN 12697-6:2020 supersedes BS EN 12697-6:2012, which is withdrawn. BS EN 12697-6:2020 includes some technical changes with respect to BS EN 12697-6:2012. These include: 
- Completed with a limitation for procedure A, up to void content 7 %
- Limitation for procedure A, amended to void content 7 %
- Air voids level amended from 15 % to 10 %
- Air voids level amended from 15 % to 10 %
