CEN/TR 15352:2006

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-september-2006
%LWXPHQLQELWXPHQVNDYH]LYD±5D]YRMVSHFLILNDFLM]DODVWQRVWLNLVRSRYH]DQH]
REQDãDQMHPSRURþLORRVWDWXVX
Bitumen and bituminous binders - Development of performance-related specifications:
status report 2005
Bitumen und bitumenhaltige Bindemittel - Entwicklung von auf das Gebrauchsverhalten
bezogenen Spezifikationen: Statusbericht 2005
Bitumes et liants bitumineux - Elaboration de spécifications reliées aux performances :
rapport d'avancement 2005
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: CEN/TR 15352:2006
ICS:
75.140
91.100.50
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

TECHNICAL REPORT
CEN/TR 15352
RAPPORT TECHNIQUE
TECHNISCHER BERICHT
April 2006
ICS 75.140; 91.100.50
English Version
Bitumen and bituminous binders - Development of performance-
related specifications: status report 2005
Bitumes et liants bitumineux - Elaboration de spécifications Bitumen und bitumenhaltige Bindemittel - Entwicklung von
axées sur les performances : rapport d'avancement 2005 auf das Gebrauchsverhalten bezogenen Spezifikationen:
Statusbericht 2005
This Technical Report was approved by CEN on 27 November 2005. It has been drawn up by the Technical Committee CEN/TC 336.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France,
Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania,
Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION
EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG
Management Centre: rue de Stassart, 36  B-1050 Brussels
© 2006 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. CEN/TR 15352:2006: E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

Contents Page
Foreword .3
1 Executive summary.4
2 Scope of the report .5
3 Introduction.5
4 Motivation and expected benefits.5
5 From pavement perfomanced requirements to binder properties .6
6 Preliminary phase (1999 – 2003) .6
7 Detailed review of binder properties and their potentially associated test methods .7
7.1 General.7
7.2 Elevated service temperature property .8
7.3 Intermediate service temperature property.9
7.4 Low service temperature property.10
7.5 Durability (or ageing simulation / conditioning) .11
7.6 Fatigue.13
7.7 Cohesion.13
7.8 Adhesion.13
7.9 Other properties.13
8 Validation of test methods .14
8.1 General.14
8.2 BiTVal Project.14
8.3 Data Collection.15

9 Summary and conclusion - Development of P- R specifications .16
Annex A First generation specifications.18
Annex B EAPA binder evaluation.22
Annex C Detailed review of binder properties and associated test methods .24
C.1 TASK GROUP 1 - Elevated service temperature property .24
C.2 TASK GROUP 2 - Low service temperature property.26
C.3 TASK GROUP 3 - Durability (or ageing simulation / conditioning) .29
Annex D FEHRL validation project.33
D.1 Introduction.33
D.2 Project methodology.33
D.3 Project organisation.34
D.4 Project timetable.35
D.5 Outputs.35
Annex E  Data collection framework – Version 2005 .37
Annex F GLOSSARY.39
F.1 Organisations.39
F.2 Equipment, test methods and associated parameters.39
F.3 Product related acronyms.40
F.4 Standardisation acronyms.40

Foreword
This Technical Report (CEN/TR 15352:2006) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 336
“Bituminous binders”, the secretariat of which is held by AFNOR.
1 Executive summary
This Technical Report contains a synthesis of TC 336/WG 1 work on the development of second generation
(performance-related) specifications for paving grade bitumens. It is a CEN Technical Report (TR) and will be
regularly updated by TC 336.
TC 336 Working Groups are completing their work to produce ‘harmonised’ first generation European
specifications and test methods for paving bitumens, including EN 12591 (paving grades), prEN 13924 (hard
grades) and EN 14023 (PMB). These are based on existing (empirical) national standards.
A process, involving industry-wide participation, is being followed to ensure that, for the second generation
standards, the performance relationships of a binder property are assessed before a specification is
developed. The basic sequential steps are as follows:
• Step 1: identify the binder properties linked to the performance requirements of asphalt pavements,
• Step 2: select and standardise appropriate (new) test methods to measure these properties,
• Step 3: collect data and ensure field validation for establishing (new) binder specifications,
• Step 4: review the grading system according to the (new) specification.
The development work has reached Step 3. Although new tests methods, when identified, could still be added,
the main thrust currently is on validation of the test methods selected by WG 1. There are two major tasks
being undertaken;
 Literature review.
A project, named “BiTVal”, is being undertaken by FEHRL. The first phase of the project is to
evaluate the published literature on relationships between bitumen characteristics and
asphalt/pavement behaviour. A FEHRL report will make recommendations on use of binder tests by
WG 1, and also identify gaps in the knowledge.
 Collection of data for existing bitumens using the selected test methods.
This CEN/TR contains a framework of properties and test methods, which is being used as the basis
for data collection. The intention is to encourage widespread input from member states and the
industry around Europe. As confidence in the validation of the (new) test methods is established it
may be decided to introduce them progressively into the existing specifications according to priority
of need.
It is, of course, recognised that the binder properties alone do not determine pavement performance. Other
parameters, such as aggregate characteristics, mix design, manufacture and laying are also considered as
important. Nevertheless the goal of the work of WG 1 is to propose a framework, which could include levels or
classes, and which can be used in new performance-related specifications for paving grade binders.
The TC 336 business plan recognises that the development of new P-R specifications will be a long-term
process. This Technical Report will be a living document, being regularly updated, to indicate the current state
of progress of the work of WG 1.
2 Scope of the report
TC 336/WG 1 has agreed to produce a Technical Report (CEN-TR) to summarise and illustrate the ongoing work
in the standardisation area with reference to the process of developing from traditional “empirical” based
specifications to new “performance-related” specifications for paving bitumens, as required by the Mandate
M/124. It was decided that it would be better to maintain such a report as an ‘informative’ document, which can
be regularly amended and updated by TC 336/WG 1 as appropriate.
3 Introduction
The European Committee for Standardization (CEN) was formed in the early sixties and was charged with
preparing common rules and standards to be used in all member countries to ensure no barriers to trade.
As part of that programme, new harmonised European specifications for paving grade bitumens are being
developed in two stages:
a) First generation (CEN/TC 19/SC 1, since 1990) – The working groups have completed their work to
produce specifications and test methods for paving bitumens, for use throughout Europe, which were
based on existing national standards. Such specifications (already published in 1999 as EN 12591, and
now under revision after 5 years in use) are well known as empirical tests based specifications.
The first generation standards, including EN 12591, EN 13924 (hard grades) and EN 14023 (PMB), and
their associated test methods, are summarised in Annex A.
b) Second generation (CEN/TC 336, since 2000) – The next task of the working groups is to produce
specifications that are more Performance-Related, to reflect the binder contribution to the performance of
the asphalt pavement, with the inclusion of existing or new properties and test methods, as appropriate.
Bitumen specifications have remained relatively unchanged over the last forty years and the specifications now
being developed represent a very significant step forward for all involved contributors such as producers, asphalt
suppliers, contractors and administrations all over Europe.
4 Motivation and expected benefits
In the EC’s acceptance of the CEN/TC 336 response to the Mandate, it was stated:
”The Commission understand that the standards, which will be developed, are the generation of empirical
specifications. CEN/TC 336 is encouraged to develop new specifications, performance-related, as soon as
possible, after finalisation of the first generation standards. If TC 336 considers there is a need to change
some of the performance characteristics for the second generation of standards, in line with a performance
based approach, a revision of the mandate should be proposed by CEN/TC 336 to the Commission.”
The second generation of standards can be more ‘market-driven’. The aim is good quality asphalt roads that
perform well throughout their lifetime. Specifications and standards should meet both the technical and commercial
needs of the asphalt industry and its customers, and it is important these needs are properly identified and
understood.
The overall purpose of the specification system will be to ensure that binders can be evaluated on a fair and
comparable basis, that the appropriate binder can easily be selected for a particular application and that the binder
can be used with confidence in its quality. Ideally, the system should be suitable throughout Europe, for all types of
climatic and traffic conditions, for a large variety of pavement applications, and applicable to all categories of
binders: conventional, special and modified bitumens.
5 From pavement perfomanced requirements to binder properties
It is important that the market needs are correctly identified and addressed, therefore the involvement of key
stakeholders has been sought: road owners and authorities, specifiers, road contractors, asphalt and binder
producers. A good and effective communication between all these players was necessary for a satisfactory
development of the WG 1 programme.
It is, of course, recognised that the binder properties alone do not determine pavement performance. Other
parameters, such as aggregate characteristics, mix design, manufacture and laying are also considered as
important. A process is being followed to ensure that, for the second generation standards, the performance
relationships of a binder property are assessed before a specification is developed. The basic sequential
steps are as follows:
• Step 1: identify the binder properties linked to the performance requirements of asphalt pavements,
• : select and standardise appropriate (new) test methods to measure these properties,
Step 2
• Step 3: collect data and ensure field validation for establishing (new) binder specifications,
• Step 4: review the grading system according to the (new) specification.
6 Preliminary phase (1999 – 2003)
In order to take a systematic approach to second generation binder specifications the European bitumen/asphalt
industry has made major efforts in recent years to define the “performance-related” requirements for paving
binders.
In 1999, Eurobitume organised a workshop with global attendance representing all sides of the asphalt industry,
and delegates collectively identified the principle performance requirements of asphalt pavements and then
related these to the appropriate binder properties and thence to the possible tests required to measure these
properties. Figure 1 summarises the outcome from that workshop, and the starting point for much of the work
since.
Figure 1 — EUROBITUME - Industry Workshop, Luxemburg, 1999
In 2000, CEN/TC 336 was established and the ‘new’ WG 1 started work on development of a new
performance-related specification for paving binders. This includes PMBs as well as unmodified binders, and
so amalgamates the work of the old WG 1 and WG 4.
Working Group 1 decided from the beginning to establish Task Groups to work on the three key properties that
were identified at Workshop ’99, as essential parts of any new specifications for paving binders:
• high (service) temperature properties (TG 1),
• low (service) temperature properties (TG 2), and
• ageing and conditioning (TG 3).
For these topics there was considerable existing background information and test methods from the US,
particularly from the SHRP project developments. These were taken into account together with published
development work from around the world.
Other properties and test methods have been subsequently added to the list in an ongoing process to address
the identified performance requirements, in particular:
• adhesion;
• cohesion;
• fatigue.
In parallel with the above, there have been two major exercises to update and refresh the thinking on the
outcomes of the Workshop 99.
i) BiTSpec project
In 2002/03, a series of regional seminars, supported by Eurobitume and the European Asphalt Pavement
Association (EAPA), were held around Europe, on the subject of “Bituminous Binder Testing and
Specifications”, culminating in the BiTSpec Seminar in Brussels, in June 2003. The seminars were well
attended by representatives from all parts of the industry, and the outputs from that project were made
available to WG 1, ref. Eurobitume BiTSpec Proceedings, 2003.
ii) TC 336 Advisory Group
CEN/TC 336 Advisory Group (which is constituted by the five key European road industry stakeholder groups)
also provided a comprehensive report in 2003 on the subject of “Binder requirements”, compiled from
individual position papers from the Eurobitume, EAPA, FEHRL, WERD (now renamed CERD), IISRP. The
final report is being used by WG 1, ref. TC 336/AG N9, 2003.
7 Detailed review of binder properties and their potentially associated test methods
7.1 General
The input from EAPA on the needs for asphalt pavement performance is summarised in the form of the table
shown in Annex B. This is considered as fundamental input to the work of TC 336/WG 1/TG 5. For each binder
property, WG 1 has considered the possible/available test methods, see below. Test method selection is an
ongoing part of the work of the working groups. At this stage, it is important to maintain an "open door" to new
ideas and suggestions. Therefore CEN/TC 336 will continue to monitor development elsewhere, particularly in
the USA (SuperPave) and to select relevant options for evaluation. In particular, new proposals can be expected
from work in:
 US binder research programmes,
 CEN Ad-Hoc Group adhesion/durability (TC 336/TC 227), and
 RILEM.
The current status of evaluation of test methods by WG 1 is summarised in this chapter, and in more detail in
Annex C.
At this stage, several test methods have been harmonized for some properties in order to gain experience
with their use before selecting the most appropriate one.
7.2 Elevated service temperature property
Several tests are available for measuring viscosity/rheology at different temperatures, including the "high road
service temperature" range.
Seven test methods have been evaluated by TG 1:
softening point, vacuum capillary, dynamic viscosity, complex modulus DSR, Low/Zero Shear

Viscosity ZSV (oscillation & creep modes), Australian viscosity.
7.2.1 Current status of standardisation
Table 1 shows a summary of the status of WG 1 evaluation and standardisation of the test methods; for more
details see Annex C.
Table 1 — Elevated service temperature test methods
Status EN
Test method Reference Comments
Standardisation
Softening point YES EN 1427 Under revision, following
the 5-year review in
Vacuum capillary YES EN 12596 Under revision, following
the 5-year review in
Dynamic viscosity YES EN 13702 Part 1: published, 2003
Part 2: published, 2004
Complex Modulus YES EN 14770 Published, 2005
using DSR
Low Shear Viscosity YES prEN 15324 Standing for CEN
LSV  enquiry, 2005
(oscillation mode)
Zero Shear Viscosity YES prEN 15325 Standing for CEN
ZSV (creep mode) enquiry, 2005
Australian viscosity NO - Not selected for
harmonisation
7.2.2 Further work required
Following publication of the DSR method, work is required to confirm / validate appropriate parameters from
the test.
For the new tests for Zero Shear Viscosity, further work is required to establish a correlation with road
performance.
7.3 Intermediate service temperature property
The penetration test is currently used to assess binder properties at intermediate temperatures (typically 25 °C).
The measurement of complex modulus at various temperatures is also available, e.g. via the DSR (EN 14770)
and could be related to the ‘structural strength’ in practice.
Measurements of stiffness can be made on the asphalt mixture itself using EN 12697-23 & 26: Structural
Strength and Stiffness.
7.4 Low service temperature property
Several tests are available for measuring low temperature properties of paving bitumens; six have been
evaluated by TG 2:
 Fraass breaking point, low temperature penetration, force ductility and tensile test, Bending
Beam Rheometer (BBR), complex modulus, Direct Tension Test (DTT),
 one new test is now being evaluated: Fracture Toughness Test. This test may also be
appropriate to evaluate other characteristics such as resistance of the binder to crack
propagation due to fatigue stress.
7.4.1 Current status of standardisation
Table 2 shows a summary of the status of WG 1 evaluation and standardisation of the test methods; for more
details see Annex C.
Table 2 — Low service temperature test methods
Status EN
Test method Reference Comments
Standardisation
Fraass breaking YES EN 12593 Under revision, following
point the 5-year review in
Low temperature YES EN 1426 Under revision, following
penetration the 5-year review in
Force Ductility and YES EN 13589 Published, 2003
Tensile Test EN 13587
Bending Beam
Rheometer YES EN 14771 Published in, 2005
(BBR)
Complex Modulus YES EN 14770 Published, 2005
using DSR
Direct Tension Test NO - No decision made yet
(DTT)
Fracture Toughness NO - Evaluation commencing

7.4.2 Further work required
The Fraass test has been used in some countries to assess low temperature properties. However there is
concern about the repeatability/reproducibility and P-R aspects of the test and it was always intended to seek an
improved low temperature test (ref. EN 12591:1999, Annex C3).
The BBR is in process of standardisation and shows promise for use in P-R specifications in future. PMBs do not
necessarily have the same critical stiffness as unmodified binders.
In the US a combination of BBR and DTT values have been proposed for specification purposes. The DTT has
not yet been standardised as an EN; the precision of the method and correlation with binder performance need
further study.
It is also possible that BBR data could be combined with data from existing EN tests such as Tensile Test or
Force Ductility test.
7.5 Durability (or ageing simulation / conditioning)
Durability is a key requirement of the asphalt/pavement. To be assessed, it requires the identification of a
minimum level of properties at the beginning of the service life (after asphalt mixing, laying and compaction) and
the retention of such “initial” performance properties to a sufficient level to ensure the design life of the road is
achieved. The binder itself has a part to play, and standards are being developed to “condition” the binder in the
laboratory to equate to its condition in the road over time.
The procedures are used for two purposes:
• pre-treatment: to prepare a binder sample for further testing, in the condition
expected in practice,
• binder evaluation: to compare the resistance to hardening.
The procedures cover two types of conditioning:
a) Short-Term (construction) ageing
[Related to changes during asphalt mixing /delivery /laying].
Four procedures have been evaluated by TG 3:
 Rolling Thin Film Oven Test (RTFOT),
 Thin Film Oven Test (TFOT),
 Rotating Flask Test (RFT), and
 Modified RTFOT.
b) Long-Term (in-service) Ageing
[Related to additional changes in the pavement during use. Tests are normally carried out on short-term aged
binder]
Four procedures have been evaluated by TG 3:
 Pressure Ageing Vessel (PAV),
 High Pressure Ageing Test (HiPAT),
 Rotating Cylinder Ageing Test (RCAT), and
 Long-Term Rotating Flask Test (LTRFT).
7.5.1 Current status of standardisation
Table 3 shows a summary of the status of WG 1 evaluation and standardisation of the test methods; for more
details see Annex C.
Table 3 — Bitumen ageing conditioning test methods
Status EN
Test method Reference Comments
standardisation
Short-Term Ageing
RTFOT YES EN 12607 – 1
All are existing ENs.
TFOT YES EN 12607 – 2 Work is in progress to
replace RFT by RTFOT
RFT YES EN 12607 – 3
Modified RTFOT NO - Await any new
developments
Long-Term Ageing
PAV YES EN 14679 Published in 2005
HiPAT YES “ Covered by PAV
standard
RCAT YES prEN 15323 Standing for CEN
enquiry, 2005
LT RFT NO - Development work
shelved
7.5.2 Further work required
Short-term ageing tests are available (RTFOT, TFOT, RFT) as used in EN 12591. It is intended to phase out the
use of RFT (in favour of RTFOT) in future standards for paving grade bitumens (for bitumens from EN 12591
Table 1 and Table 2).
Long Term ageing/conditioning methods are under development, and have not yet been used in specifications in
Europe. The PAV was adopted from the US "Superpave" work and is now being harmonised as EN 14769.
The RCAT has produced promising results in a mini-round robin study. More widespread use of the new
methods is required and work on precision of the procedures.
7.6 Fatigue
Binder fatigue behaviour is recognised as potentially an important contributor to performance, but cannot be
seen independent of the asphalt mix and pavement design. Work on binder fatigue testing is in the research
stage.
7.7 Cohesion
Bitumens normally exhibit good cohesive properties.
The measurement of cohesion is possible using three test methods developed by WG4.
The Force Ductility test (long loading time) and Tensile test (shorter loading time) are used on binders for asphalt
mixtures, and the Vialit Pendulum (impact) test can be used on binders for surface treatments.
7.8 Adhesion
No tests of adhesion are available at the moment. The performance is very dependent on the chemical and
physical nature of the surfaces to be adhered.
A joint ad-hoc group (TC 227/TC 336) is studying potential test methods.
7.9 Other properties
� Speciality properties
For special applications of asphalt, additional characteristics are important and specific test methods may be
required. Where possible the testing is carried out on the asphalt mixture, e. g.:
asphalt for use in applications where spillages of specific fuels or chemicals can occur, such as in airfield surfacing:
 EN 12697-41: Resistance to de-icing fluids,
 EN 12697-43: Resistance to fuel
� HSE related properties
It is expected that characteristics related to Health, Safety & Environmental aspects of performance would be
covered in the suppliers’ Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for the binder and need not be duplicated here in the product
standard.
The SDS should contain information under several fixed headings, including:
• composition/information on ingredients: e.g. EINECS numbers of substances present;
• hazards identification:
 human health hazards (e.g. related to handling and emissions during application);
 physical & chemical hazards (fire and handling information);
 specific hazards (e.g. information about presence of PAHs, etc…);
• physical and chemical properties: e.g. flashpoint, flammability, solubility, etc…;
• toxicology: inhalation, skin contact, etc…;
• ecological information: environmental effects, bio-degradability, leaching;
• recyclability (including recycling option);
• classification and labelling.
� Constancy of quality
A further consideration that is often requested, but not covered by a specific test in the product specification, is
the constancy of quality of supplied product. This aspect is covered by the Quality Assurance system that is
implemented by the producer.
For binders supplied in conformity with a harmonised European Standard, QA will be covered by clearly defined
rd
and standardised systems of “Type Testing” and “Factory Production Control”. These requirements would be 3
Party audited as part of the assessment for European CE marking of such products where required.
8 Validation of test methods
8.1 General
The list of tests being considered must be refined to select the most suitable for performance assessment, and to
select which parameter from the test method is related to the performance in the asphalt mixture.
It has been recognised that a period of time will be necessary to become more familiar with new measurement
methods and to collect data in a structured way. Before final implementation, new binder specification proposals
will need to be validated and their correlation to asphalt and pavement performance well established. This was
recognised in the outputs from the series of BitSpec seminars, and also by the European stakeholders (EAPA,
EUROBITUME, FEHRL, IISRP and CERD) in the CEN report of “needs and expectations related to the future
binder specification system”.
A framework incorporating the selected test methods (see sub-clause 8.3 below) has been developed, which will
nd
be used for collection of data that will enable the two major steps in the process of development of 2 generation
specifications i.e.:
 selection of test parameters,
 validation with (asphalt/road) performance.
8.2 BiTVal Project
A proposal by FEHRL to organise an European project on validation of the new EN test methods was
presented and discussed at the BiTSpec seminar in June 2003.
The following three main phases have been proposed:
• Phase 1: Assembly and assessment of existing data from all sources that can assist in the
validation of the test methods defined by CEN/TC 336.
• Phase 2: Laboratory and/or field validation trials needed to complete the validation of the test
methods defined by CEN/TC 336.
• Phase 3: Research, development and validation of tests for other bitumen properties considered
to have a potential relevance for the specification of bitumen.
The FEHRL Board agreed that Phase 1 of the project, named BiTVal, should go ahead and additional work
needed in Phase 2 and, possibly, Phase 3 would be identified during the process.
This BiTVal project will represent a significant effort, requiring support and participation from industry and
authorities in many countries. Nevertheless, it is expected to:
 deliver the appropriate answers for assessing the suitability of test methods,
 establish their relevance and correlation to the asphalt pavement performance, and
 give the required level of confidence in the future specification system to be used during many
years in the whole of Europe.
In principle the goal of the validation study is to determine the relation between a certain bitumen
characteristic and the road behaviour (e.g. rutting). There is a high number of parameters influencing rutting
behaviour (like grading of the mix, compaction of the mix, production of the mix, loading etc.) and the influence
of the bitumen is “limited”. In practice it is not possible to correlate the bitumen characteristics directly to the
road behaviour, and it is easier to relate the bitumen characteristic to tests on the asphalt mix, and correlate
the test on the asphalt mix with the behaviour of the mix in the road.
The key outputs of Phase 1 of the BiTVal project will be a database, covering publications of the identified
bitumen properties and their relationship to asphalt properties and/or road performance, and a FEHRL report
to TC 336/WG 1 summarising the P-R aspects for each test method, together with recommendations for their
use in second generation standards.
Phase 1 is scheduled to be completed by mid-2005, see Annex D for more details.
8.3 Data Collection
The evaluation and validation phase of the work of TC 336 WG 1 requires a framework of the recommended tests
and parameters to facilitate collection and analysis of measured data in a systematic and harmonised way. This will
allow evaluation and recommendation of suitable parameters and levels for use in performance-related standards
in future.
In the validation project the literature search will cover a wide scope of test conditions and parameters (e.g. test
temperature, loading times etc), and will help to define more closely the specific parameters to be used in the
framework.
As a preparatory step Task Group 5 has produced a “Data Collection Framework” based on the newly standardised
EN test methods. The framework tables allow input of ‘binder type’ (conventional, modified etc) and also indicate
where testing is to be carried out on fresh material, or samples after short-term and/or long-term ageing.
Characteristics are measured for bituminous binders to relate to performance, for example to demonstrate the
enhanced characteristics of modified and special binders. These values are not gathered to have authority to be
included in new specifications.
� Data Collection Framework
The Data Collection Framework (Version 2005) is shown in Annex E.
The framework is divided in two parts:
Part 1 – PRODUCT DESCRIPTION ACCORDING TO CONVENTIONAL CHARACTERISTICS
This contains properties similar to those in EN 12591, which are likely to remain in place for a majority of
the bitumen business where conventional grades are supplied.
There would be levels or ‘declared values’ for the properties and these can be compared to similar data for
reference binders.
Part 2 – PERFORMANCE - RELATED PROPERTIES
This contains the newer properties and tests (e.g. high temperature and low temperature stiffness) and is
particularly required for modified/performance binders. All the data will be in the form of “To be reported"
values and measured on Fresh, Short-Term Aged or Long-Term Aged samples (as indicated).
Figure 2 illustrates the relationship between BiTVal project and Data Collection framework.

Figure 2 — Relationship between BiTVal project and Data Collection framework
9 Summary and conclusion - Development of P- R specifications
This document contains a synthesis of the TC 336/WG 1 work on the development of second generation
specifications for paving grade bitumens. It is a CEN Technical Report and it will be regularly updated by
CEN/TC 336.
The TC 336 business plan recognises that the development of new P-R specifications will be a long-term process.
In accepting the response of WG 1 to Mandate M/124, the European Commission encouraged the working group
to:
 develop new performance-related specifications as soon as possible,
 if necessary, propose a revision to the mandate in line with a performance based approach.
The report has shown the work accomplished under Step 1 (Binder properties) and Step 2 (Test standardisation).
Step 2 of the development process (ref. Clause 5) has now been reached and the important Step 3 (data collection
and validation) is getting underway. The intention of this report is to encourage widespread input from Member
States around Europe, with data measured using the framework in Annex E.
During the validation and implementation stage it will be necessary to use the old and new test methods in parallel,
while data is collected and confidence established. It may also be decided to introduce the new tests progressively
according to priority of need, ref. Figure 3.
TG 5 will continue to monitor the validation studies on the new methods, and then, when appropriate correlation
between bitumen properties and asphalt/pavement performance is confirmed, the data will be used to propose
levels or classes for WG 1 acceptance in new P-R specifications. It is likely the new tests will be introduced as
additions or replacements to EN 12591 during the periodic reviews of the standard.
Figure 3 — TC 336/WG 1 - Paving Grade Bitumen
Annex A
First generation specifications
CEN/TC 336 Working Groups WG 1 & WG 4 have produced three standards:
EN 12591: Paving Grade Bitumens
 This covers unmodified bitumens with various penetration ranges from 20 to 330, plus the softer
grades (with penetration ranges between 250 and 900) and also “soft bitumens” (viscosity
grades with ranges between 1 000 and 16 000 mm /s at 60 °C).
EN 13924: Hard Paving Grade Bitumens
 This covers two additional unmodified bitumens with penetration ranges of 10/20 and 15/25.
EN 14023: Polymer Modified Bitumens
 This will provide a framework for specifying a wide range of polymer modified binders found
throughout Europe.
Together with these standards, 23 associated test methods have been produced, (see Tables A.1 and A.2). Most
of these were existing tests, although in many cases the details of the methods had to be harmonised between
different national versions.
The existing tests were mainly empirical, but had been used for many years to characterise paving bitumens
supplied to the road industry. The key tests were selected for European harmonisation because they respond, as
well as possible, to the following Essential Requirements identified in the Mandate M/124 from CEN.
i) Consistency at elevated service temperature
Measurement of softening point, or viscosity (at 60 °C) is used to characterise the ‘high’ (road) temperature
behaviour of the binders. There is some correlation, at least for unmodified bitumens, between these properties
and the performance in hot asphalt mixtures at high service temperatures.
ii) Consistency at intermediate service temperature
Penetration measurement is used to characterise the behaviour of the binder at intermediate temperatures (typically
25 °C).
iii) Durability
Properties measured after treatment in the RTFOT/TFOT or RFT are used to indicate the short term ageing
characteristics of the bitumens, and to condition bitumens to simulate the changes that occur in practice through hot
asphalt mix production.
Additional properties were traditionally found in paving bitumen specifications and, where appropriate, the selected
test methods have been standardised, see Table 2:
 viscosity at high temperature (135 °C) relating to handling/application conditions,
 Fraass point for testing binders at low temperatures,
 constitutional properties, i.e. solubility and wax content,
 safety/handling properties, i.e. flash point and density.
For the Polymer Modified Binders specifications EN 14023 a new structure was introduced, (similar to the
emulsion specifications and in accordance with the indications of the EC Mandate) with a framework based on
essential and technical requirements to move from the traditional “conformity” specification toward the
requirements described in EC Mandate M/124.
Additional tests were included that aim to demonstrate the presence of the polymer and indicate additional
performance characteristics:
• Cohesion tests. Three methods can be used:
 tensile test at 5 °C to measure tensile strength of the binder (under low temperature, high
speed traffic stress conditions);
 force ductility test to measure cohesive strength at long loading time (e.g. low speed traffic
stresses in an asphalt road surface);
 Vialit pendulum (impact) test to measure cohesive strength at short loading time (e.g. high
speed traffic stresses in a surface treatment).
• Elastic recovery at 10 °C or 25 °C, can be used to evaluate elasticity of elastomeric PMBs
• Storage stability, to indicate handling requirements for PMBs
All of these methods have now been produced as harmonised EN standards and will be available for
consideration for use also in second generation specifications, although in some cases correlation to
performance still has to be established and some more fundamental tests may be required in future.
Table A.1 — Summary of test methods
CEN/TC 336/WG 1 – Paving Binders
Product Standards:
EN 12591 – Specifications for Paving Grade Bitumens
EN 13924 – Specifications for Hard Paving Grade Bitumens

Reference Test Method Comments
EN 58 Sampling Revised 2004
EN 12594 Preparation of samples
Determination & application of precision data
EN ISO 4259 ISO 4259:1992 Cor 1:1993
in relation to methods of test
Under revision, following the
EN 1426 Determination of needle penetration
5-year review in 2004
Under revision, following the
EN 1427 Softening point – ring & ball
5-year review in 2004
Under revision, following the
EN 12592 Solubility
5-year review in 2004
Under revision, following the
EN 12593 Fraass breaking point
5-year review in 2004
Under revision, following the
EN 12595 Kinematic viscosity
5-year review in 2004
Under revision, following the
EN 12596 Dynamic viscosity by vacuum capillary
5-year review in 2004
Under revision, following the
EN 12606-1 Paraffin wax content- Part 1: Method by distillation
5-year review in 2004
EN 12606-2 Paraffin wax content- Part 2: Method of extraction
Resistance to hardening under influence of heat and air Under revision, following the
EN 12607-1
Part 1: RTFOT method 5-year review in 2004
Resistance to hardening under influence of heat and air Under revision, following the
EN 12607-2
Part 1: TFOT method 5-year review in 2004
Resistance to hardening under influence of heat and air Under revision, following the
EN 12607-3
Part 1: RFT method 5-year review in 2004
EN ISO 2592 Flash and fire points – Cleveland open cup ISO 2592:2000
EN ISO 2719 Flash point – Pensky-Martens closed cup ISO 2719:2002
Measurement of density and specific gravity –
prEN 15326 Standing for CEN enquiry
Capillary stoppered pyknometer method
st
Table A.2 — Summary of test methods (1 generation)
CEN/TC 336/WG4 – Polymer Modified Binders
Product Standard:
EN 14023 – Specifications for Polymer Modified Binders

Reference Method Comments
Determination of:
EN 13398 Elastic recovery of modified bitumen
EN 13399 Storage stability of modified bitumen
Tensile properties of modified bitumen
EN 13587
by the tensile test method
Cohesion of bituminous binders
EN
...