What is BS EN 12697‑7 – Bituminous specimens about?
BS EN 12697‑7 is a European standard and a part of the BS EN 12697 series that discusses the determination of the bulk density of bituminous specimens by gamma rays for bituminous mixtures.
BS EN 12697‑7 specifies a method for measuring the bulk density of pavement mixtures using a transmission-type gamma radiation test bench. This method applies to cylindrical specimens or parallelepipedal blocks, prepared in a laboratory or cut from a pavement. The thickness and the mass absorption coefficient, which is a function of the chemical composition, are known. The thickness of the specimen body traversed by the radiation is between 30 mm and 300 mm.
Note: The method cannot be applied to materials containing slags, with variable metal content or chemical composition.
Who is BS EN 12697‑7 – Bituminous specimens for?
BS EN 12697‑7 on bituminous specimens by gamma rays applies to:
- Manufacturer of bituminous mixtures
- Construction engineers
- Testing authorities
- Regulatory authorities
- Quality testing personnel
Why should you use BS EN 12697‑7 – Bituminous specimens?
Bituminous mixtures, which are also called asphalt mixtures, are the combinations of aggregates with different gradations, filler types, content, and hardness with bitumen of different grades and quantities.
BS EN 12697‑7 provides you with the bulk density measurements in the laboratory which helps you in the test method for bituminous specimens by using gamma rays which is a method that does not affect the properties of the material. It allows the plotting of a density chart or gradient. BS EN 12697‑7 also provides you with the apparatus which applies to the use of gamma rays including an emitter-source unit and receiving unit, several lead collimators, a measurement chain including a count unit and a processing chain and a technical note.
BS EN 12697‑7 provides you with the principle in which the method is based upon the absorption of gamma radiation by the material under the conditions of the test described in BS EN 12697‑7 and for materials such as bituminous mixtures. Overall, BS EN 12697‑7 helps you to build consumer trust and confidence in the product.
What’s changed since the last update?
BS EN 12697‑7:2022 supersedes BS EN 12697‑7:2014, which is withdrawn. It includes:
- The title no longer refers to hot mix asphalt, [ge] editorial update according to a current standard template and Clause 1, scope clarified according to the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations Part 3:2019, 14.5.
- Clause 4, deletion of the exponential law including equation. Added reference to Clause 8, (5.1), footnote 1) amended to NOTE. Existing NOTE amended to normal text and Clause 6, NOTE 1: The period for when specimens are considered to be drily amended to 4 h in line with other parts
- Clause 6, Footnote 2) amended to NOTE 2. Existing NOTE amended to NOTE 1, Clause 6, measurement of the thickness of specimen replaced by “shall be known” and (7.3.3), a formula for consistency test deleted and replaced concerning Formula (1).
- Clause 8, editorial adjustments, renumbered formulas and addition of references to formulas and Clause 9, revision of data to be reported.
- Clause 10, completion of standard edition to read ISO 5725‑2 and [ge] bibliography added.
