EN 13924 Certification
EN 13924, Bitumen and bituminous binders – Specifications for hard paving grade bitumens determines the quality and durability of bitumen-based coating materials. In particular, it defines how to use bitumen-based materials in asphalt production and road construction.
While the EN 13924 standard determines the quality of bitumen and asphalt materials, the CE marking is a mark that certifies that these materials comply with European Union standards and are used safely.
Features Covered by the EN 13924 Standard
This standard includes a comprehensive set of physical, chemical, and performance requirements that bitumen and asphalt producers must comply with to in order to ensure quality. These include:
Physical Properties
The basic physical properties of bitumen directly affect the usability of bitumen in asphalt production and road construction. Bitumen’s properties such as viscosity, hardness, and fluidity are very important for the durability of asphalt and the life of the road.
- Viscosity: Determines the fluidity properties of bitumen. High viscosity bitumen allows for the production of more durable and strong asphalt.
- Penetration: Indicates the hardness and elasticity of bitumen. This property is critical for the durability of the road.
- Surface Tension: Indicates how much the surface of bitumen is stretched, affecting the performance of asphalt.
Chemical Properties
The chemical structure of bitumen-based materials is also addressed in the EN 13924 standard. The substances and additives contained in bitumen affect the environmental effects and durability of the product.
- Heavy Metal Content: EN 13924 determines the limits of harmful heavy metals that may be found in bitumen, and the aim is to produce bitumen that does not harm the environment.
- Solvents and Additives: The type and amount of chemicals used in bitumen production are important for the environmental compatibility of the material.
Temperature Resistance and Flexibility
The resistance of bitumen to temperature changes is a critical factor in asphalt road construction. EN 13924 determines the temperature tolerance and flexibility properties of bitumen.
- Low and High Temperature Resistance: Bitumen must be resistant to temperature changes. It should not soften at high temperatures and crack at low temperatures.
- Flexibility: The flexibility of bitumen prevents deformations in road construction. High flexibility reduces the risk of asphalt cracking.
Long-term Performance
The standard includes specific procedures to test the long-term performance of bitumen-based materials. It includes tests that measure the capacity of asphalt to resist aging, wear and environmental factors over time.
- Ageing Resistance: How resistant asphalt is to external factors such as sunlight, water, wind and temperature is tested.
- Abrasion Resistance: The extent to which bitumen is worn down by traffic loads and climatic conditions is also measured with certain tests.
Usability in Road Construction
This standard covers the properties that directly affect the use of bitumen in asphalt production. These properties determine how bitumen will be integrated into asphalt mixtures and under which conditions it will be most efficient.
- Mixture Properties: How bitumen is mixed with other materials and the manufacturability of the asphalt mixture.
- Asphalt Load-Carrying Capacity: How much bitumen-based asphalt can carry traffic loads.
Environmental Compatibility
- EN 13924 aims to minimize the environmental impacts of bitumen and asphalt production. This is particularly relevant to the recycling of asphalt and the production of bitumen with environmentally friendly materials.
- Carbon Footprint: The environmental impacts and carbon emissions of the bitumen and asphalt materials produced are taken into account.
- Recycling: Recycling of bitumen and asphalt materials is important for sustainable construction practices.
The tests defined by the standard are as follows:
- EN 1426 – Penetration Test
- EN 1427 – Softening Point
- EN 12592 – Solubility
- EN 12593 – Fraass Breaking Point
- EN 12595 – Kinematic Viscosity
- EN 12596 – Dynamic Viscosity by Vacuum Capillary Method
- EN 12607-1 – Hardening Resistance (at 163°C)
- EN ISO 2592 – Flash Point
Factory Production Control System (FPC System)
The manufacturer shall establish and continuously implement a Factory Production Control System (FPC System) in accordance with the EN 13924 standard. This system ensures that products are subject to quality control at every stage.
The FPC system shall include procedures, regular inspections and tests and/or evaluations and the use of these results to control raw materials and other incoming materials, as well as components, equipment, the production process and the product. All elements, requirements and provisions accepted by the manufacturer shall be systematically documented in the form of written policies and procedures. Acceptance criteria for all incoming primary materials shall be documented. All test equipment shall be calibrated according to documented procedures, frequencies and criteria. The manufacturer shall establish procedures to ensure that the values of all characteristics related to product testing are maintained. It shall have written procedures that specify how to handle non-conforming products. Non-conforming products shall be recorded and these records shall be kept for the period defined in the manufacturer’s written procedures, but this period shall be at least 3 years.
EN 13924 bitumen standard is critical to ensure the quality, safety and environmental compliance of bitumen and asphalt materials.
ATC International provide CE certification services as a notification body.
Trustuble partner for sustainable future