What is BS EN 14770 – DSR test for bitumen about?
Bitumen is an essential component of any pavement and is used widely throughout the world. BS EN 14770 is a European standard on bitumen and bituminous binders. The main aim of the BS EN 14770 series is to provide best industry practices to determine the quality and performance of construction materials to meet your specific engineering needs.
BS EN 14770 specifies the number of methods using a dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) capable of measuring the rheological properties of bituminous binders.
From the test, the norm of the complex shear modulus, IG*I, and its phase angle, δ, at a given temperature and frequency can be calculated, as well as the components G', G'', J', and J'' of the complex shear modulus and of the complex compliance.
This method is applicable to un-aged, aged, and recovered bituminous binders, cut-backs, and bituminous binders stabilised from emulsions.
Who is BS EN 14770 – DSR test for bitumen for?
BS EN 14770 on DSR test for bitumen is useful for:
- Roadway / highway authorities
- Government / municipal authorities
- Manufacturers and suppliers of bitumen and bituminous binders
- Manufacturers and suppliers of construction materials
- The construction industry
- Civil / construction engineers
- Contractors
- Project managers
- Quality control personnel
- Safety and accident prevention bodies
Why should you use BS EN 14770 – DSR test for bitumen?
The BS EN 14770 test determines the rheological characteristics of bitumen and bituminous binders using a DSR at defined test temperatures and test frequencies. The complex shear modulus, G*, and the phase angle, δ, are the most common parameters which are determined.
The BS EN 14770 procedure involves determining the complex shear modulus and phase angle of binders over a range of test frequencies and test temperatures when tested in oscillatory shear.
BS EN 14770 covers guidance on the DSR apparatus and walks you through the test procedure. Compliance with the tests can help evaluate bitumen consistency and provide indications on the temperature at which the bitumen attains a specified viscosity. The DSR method value gives the temperature at which the bitumen is capable of quantifying both elastic and viscous properties. This makes it well suited for characterising asphalt binders in the in-service pavement temperature range.
As a result, if you are a manufacturer of bitumen and bituminous binders, BS EN 14770 compliant sampling can help you identify poor-quality materials. This assessment can play a positive role in quality control and for product development purposes.
What’s changed since the last update?
BS EN 14770:2012 supersedes BS EN 14770:2005 which is withdrawn. BS EN 14770:2005 includes some technical and editorial changes with respect to BS EN 14770:2005. These include:
- Rewording of 6.2 and previous Note 2 deleted
- 7.1 has been re-structured and requirements for reheating times added
- Requirement for reheating added in 7.2
- Sub-clause 7.3 added
- Clause 8 revised and Note 4 added in 8.3
