Data collection for the 2nd generation of European bitumen standards in the Czech Republic – round robin test experience

Abstract

The second generation of European standards for bituminous binders will include, largely, those performancerelated
characteristics, which have been gradually implemented in practice. With respect to the regular use though,
the characteristics have been recognized as a new requirement. Long-term experience with determination and
interpretation is still missing. Due to the fact that polymer modified bituminous binders (PMB) in particular have
become a standard product for all types of asphalt mixtures, it is necessary to stipulate the basic requirements for
particular binders specified in the standard and based on their characteristics. Extensive data collection over all of
Europe has gone on for several years. The main expectation is for laboratory data to provide sufficient information
for the proposed initial set of the required parameters to be potentially included in the standards. The Czech
Republic has started to gather experience and values based on round robin tests as well. The first stage of the
project was launched in 2014 and 3 laboratories have tested two binders from different bitumen producers - virgin,
short-term aged (RTFOT) and long-term aged (RTFOT + PAV). Traditional and performance analyses were
employed. The second stage of the project followed in 2015; there were already six participating laboratories. Four
binders were tested (one paving grade, three PMBs) in a similar framework as in 2014 with the addition of some
conditions (e.g. testing temperature on DSR, BBR test etc.). The last stage in 2016 included six laboratories and
four binders again (one paving grade, three PMBs). The last stage involved a further extension of test temperatures
on DSR, and included a new addition of different temperatures and further stress level for the MSCR test (8 kPa).
The evaluation of all results has led to the conclusion on a broader data collection for all polymer-modified binders
in use in the Czech Republic. The data collection should be based on the draft requirements, which can be expected
for EN 14023. The data will be collected from all producers/traders on the market anonymously. Then they will
be evaluated by an expert team after 3-year collection. This evaluation will result in the determination of
requirements for the standard PMB specifications. If the Czech Republic decides to use performance-related
characteristics in specifications of paving grades, a similar approach to data collection could be applied.

Original document

The different versions of the original document can be found in:

• https://zenodo.org/record/1483278 under the license http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/legalcode

• http://dx.doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.1483277,

https://zenodo.org/record/1483278 under the license http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/legalcode

• http://dx.doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.1483278,

https://zenodo.org/record/1483278 under the license http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/legalcode

DOIS: 10.5281/zenodo.1483278 10.5281/zenodo.1483277