kSIST FprEN 12697-13:2026

kSIST FprEN 12697-13:2026 is the SIST publication of the CEN draft standard for measuring the temperature of bituminous mixtures. It covers temperature measurement after mixing and during storage, transport and laying, using both a contact temperature-measuring device and an infrared-thermometer. In disputes, the contact method is the reference method.

What does kSIST FprEN 12697-13:2026 specify?

kSIST FprEN 12697-13:2026 specifies a test method for temperature measurement in asphalt mixtures through the full handling chain, from mixed material to storage, delivery, laying and rolling. It is a procedure standard, so it tells users how to measure and report temperature rather than setting mixture properties.

The document is organized into:

• Scope
• Normative references
• Terms and definitions
• Principle
• Apparatus
• Procedure
• Test report
• Precision

Clause 6 separates the practical procedures for different situations: material in a lorry, material after laying and before or during rolling, material in a heap, and use of an infrared-thermometer.

What are the key requirements of kSIST FprEN 12697-13:2026?

Clause 4 gives two measurement principles. The contact method measures temperature at stated depths and then averages the readings, while the infrared method measures surface thermal radiation and also averages multiple readings. In practice, this means the user must choose between a probe method for direct measurement and a non-contact method for faster surface checks.

Contact temperature-measuring device

Clause 5.1 requires a contact temperature-measuring device and probe that are suitable for the place where the temperature is measured. The probe must be long enough for the task, have a known response time, and the device must measure to the nearest degree with limited error. This matters because a probe that is too short or too slow can give misleading values in hot bituminous mixtures.

Infrared-thermometer

Clause 5.2 sets out the infrared-thermometer requirements. It must measure surface radiation in the defined infrared range and the user must set the emissivity correctly for the mixture being measured. In practice, the device must be adjusted against a contact measurement before use, otherwise the surface reading may not match the true material temperature.

Procedure for different measurement situations

Clause 6.1 covers the contact method in the field. The probe is conditioned before the first reading, then used for material in a lorry, laid material before or during rolling, and material in a heap. The procedure requires multiple readings and averaging, which helps reduce local variation in a non-uniform mixture.

Clause 6.2 covers the infrared method. The thermometer is compared with a calibrated contact device before measurements begin, then used at the correct angle and distance for the test point. The document also gives separate procedures for a lorry, a heap and a paver hopper, so the operator can match the method to the work site.

Test report and precision

Clause 7 says the report shall identify the document used, the sample, the measurement site, the device type and the average result in °C. Clause 8 states that there is no precision statement for either device. For users, that means the report records the result and method, but the standard does not provide a formal precision estimate.

What terms does kSIST FprEN 12697-13:2026 define?

The document does not list formal definitions, but it uses several practical terms in its procedures:

• Contact temperature measuring device - a probe-based instrument inserted into the asphalt to measure internal temperature.
• Infrared-thermometer - a non-contact instrument that measures surface temperature from thermal radiation.
• Emissivity - the surface property that the infrared-thermometer must be set to for an accurate reading.
• Lorry - the vehicle load of asphalt measured during transport or delivery.
• Heap - a stockpile of asphalt on the ground, measured at accessible positions around it.
• Paver hopper - the hopper area where moving asphalt can be checked by infrared measurement.
• Response time - the time the measuring device needs to stabilize enough for a reliable reading.

Who uses kSIST FprEN 12697-2026?

kSIST FprEN 12697-13:2026 is used in road construction materials work where asphalt temperature affects handling and compaction. Typical users are asphalt plant operators, paving crews, site supervisors, laboratory staff and quality managers who need a repeatable way to check material temperature.

It is also relevant for buyers and inspectors who need to specify or verify temperature measurement during production, transport, laying and rolling. The standard supports routine quality control and on-site decision-making when temperature affects placement and compaction.

What changed in kSIST FprEN 12697-13:2026 from the previous edition?

kSIST FprEN 12697-13:2026 supersedes EN 12697-13:2017. The foreword states two significant changes:

• Clause 5.1 now requires the contact temperature-measuring device to measure to the nearest 1 °C with a maximum permissible error of 2 °C.
• Clause 7 has amended reporting information.

What does the kSIST FprEN 12697-13:2026 document contain?

The document contains the measurement principles for contact and infrared methods, the apparatus requirements, the practical procedures for lorry loads, laid material, heaps and paver hoppers, the reporting items, and a precision clause. It also includes safety-relevant notes in the procedures, especially where measurement is close to moving compaction plant or hot material.

For users, the content is enough to plan the measurement method, prepare the instrument, take repeated readings in the right place, and write a report that identifies the device and the average temperature result.