International standard systems are the best way to measure bitumen characteristics based on the country or region’s conditions.
The bitumen standard test methods can be a common language for anyone who deals with bitumen, such as civil engineers, exporters, producers, importers and every consumer.
The most well-known standard systems that also provide standards for measuring bitumen properties are listed below:
1. American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)
2. American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO)
3. European Committee for Standardization (CEN)
* Deutsche Industrie Norm (DIN EN)
* Association Française de Normalisation (AFNOR – NF EN)
* BSI Standards – The UK’s National Standards Body (NSB – BS EN)
4. Indian Bureau Standard (IS)
5. Standards Australia (AS)
In the following sections, each of the above-mentioned is introduced.
Also, a list of standard methods codes for the quality control of bitumen is brought.
Table of contents
- 1- American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)
- 2- American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO)
- 3- European Committee for Standardization (CEN)
- 4- Indian Standard (IS)
- 5- Standards Australia (AS)
- Standard Codes for Each Bitumen Property
- ASTM Methods for Each Type of Bitumen
- 1. Penetration Bitumen
- 2. Cutback Bitumen
- 3. Emulsion Bitumen
1- American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)
It is an international institution located in America and not affiliated with the government. This institute is active in the modification, development and publication of standards for a wide range of materials and services.
2- American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO)
It is an American association that provides rules and guidelines for designing and constructing different types of transportation, especially highways.
United States transportation policies and laws are conformable to AASHTO.
3- European Committee for Standardization (CEN)
CEN is a standard European organization. This public institution was established to promote the economy of the European continent on a global scale.
CEN should develop, maintain, and distribute consistent standard testing in a cost-effective and environmentally friendly manner.
Sub-branches of this institution are:
- Deutsche Industrie Norm (DIN EN)
- Association Française de Normalisation (AFNOR – NF EN)
- BSI Standards – the UK’s National Standards Body (NSB – BS EN)
4- Indian Standard (IS)
The Indian National Standard or IS has been developed to improve the quality of food production, chemicals, electrical and mechanical disciplines.
IS provides material production certificates or manages them to domestic and foreign manufacturers and Indian importers.
5- Standards Australia (AS)
AS is an Australian standards organization that is non-profit and non-governmental.
It is representative of Australia in the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
AS Publishes and promotes:
- Technical standards
- Product standards
- Service standards
Standard Codes for Each Bitumen Property
Below is a list of the most common methods used to test refined bitumen characteristics.
a) Penetration Test
- ASTM D5
- ASTM D 946 and AASHTO M 20 (Penetration @ 25°C)
- EN 12591 (Penetration @ 25°C) → NF EN; BS EN; DIN EN; etc.
- EN 1426
b) Softening Point Test
- ASTM D36 (the most common)
- ASTM E28-67 / E28-99
- ASTM D 6493 – 11
- IS 1205
- EN 1427
c) Ductility Test
- ASTM D133
- ASTM D 6084
- AASHTO T51
- IS 1208
- EN 13589
- EN 13703
d) Viscosity Test
- Industrial viscosity
- IS 1206 (I)
- EN 12846-1
- EN 12846-2
- Absolute or dynamic viscosity
- ASTM D2171
- ASTM D4402
- AASHTO T202-03
- AASHTO T316-06
- EN 12596 dynamic at 60
- EN 13302
- IS 1206 (II)
- Kinematic viscosity
- ASTM D2170
- ASTM D2161
- ASTM D445
- AASHTO T201-03
- EN 12595 kinematic at 135
- IS 1206 (III)
e) Specific Gravity Test
- ASTM D 70
- AASHTO T 228
- IS 1202
- EN 15326
f) Solubility Test
- ASTM D 2042
- AASHTO T 44
- IS 1216
g) Flash and Fire Point Test
- ASTM D 92
- ASTM D 93
- ASTMD 3143
- ASTM D8254
- AASHTO 48
- AASHTO 79
- EN ISO 2592
- IS 1448
- IS 1209
h) Loss on Heating Test
- ASTM D6
- ASTM D1754
- IS 1212
- AASHTO T 47
- AASHTO T179
- EN 13303
i) Spot Test
- AASHTO T 102
j) Float Test
- ASTM D139
- IS 1210
If you want to know about BITUMEN TESTS click here
ASTM Methods for Each Type of Bitumen
The ASTM standard is approved in many countries. Below is the set of ASTM tests used for each type of bitumen.
1. Penetration Bitumen
| Properties | Test Method |
| Specific Gravity at 25°C | ASTM D70 |
| Penetration at 25°C, 100g, 5s | ASTM D5 |
| Softening Point | ASTM D36 |
| Ductility at 25°C | ASTM D113 |
| Loss on heating | ASTM D6 |
| Drop in penetration after heating | ASTM D5 |
| Flash point | ASTM D92 |
| Solubility in Trichloroethylene | ASTM D2042 |
2. Cutback Bitumen
| Properties | Test Method |
| Kinematic Viscosity at 60°C, EST | ASTM D2170 |
| Flash Point (Tag Open-Cup),°C | ASTM D1310 |
| Ductility @ 25°C, CM | ASTM D402 / ASTM D113 |
| Solubility in Trichloroethylene, WT% | ASTM D402 / ASTM D2024 |
| Water Percent Volume | ASTM D95 |
| Distillate Test PERCENT BY VOLUME OF TOTAL 360°C | |
| TO 190°C | ASTM D402 |
| TO 225°C | ASTM D402 |
| TO 260°C | ASTM D402 |
| TO 316°C | ASTM D402 |
3. Emulsion Bitumen
| Properties | Test Method |
| Viscosity, Saybolt Furol at 25 °C, SFS | ASTM D244 |
| Storage stability test, 24-h, % | ASTM D6930 |
| Particle charge test | ASTM D244 |
| Sieve test, % | ASTM D6933 |
| Cement mixing test, % | ASTM D6935 |
| Distillation: | |
| Residue,% | ASTM D244 |
| Tests on residue from distillation test: | |
| Penetration, 25°C (77°F), 100 g, 5 s | ASTM D5 |
| Ductility, 25°C (77°F), 5 cm/min, cm | ASTM D113 |
| Solubility in trichloroethylene, % | ASTM D2042 |
