oSIST prEN 12697-46:2009
(Main)Bituminous mixtures - Test methods for hot mix asphalt - Part 46: Low Temperature Cracking and Properties by Uniaxial Tension Tests
General Information
- Abstract
Definition of a test method to determine the susceptibility of asphalt to crack at low temperature and the temperature at which such cracking is likely to occur
- Status
- Not Published
- Public Enquiry End Date
- 19-Jul-2009
- Technical Committee
- CES - Roads
- Current Stage
- 98 - Abandoned project (Adopted Project)
- Start Date
- 05-Jan-2011
- Due Date
- 10-Jan-2011
- Completion Date
- 05-Jan-2011
Overview
oSIST prEN 12697-46:2009 outlines standardized test methods for evaluating the low temperature cracking susceptibility and mechanical properties of bituminous mixtures-commonly known as hot mix asphalt-using uniaxial tension tests. This standard, developed by the Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo (SIST) in coordination with CEN/TC 227, specifies the procedures for assessing key performance aspects such as tensile strength, resistance to cracking, and relaxation properties when asphalt is subjected to sub-zero temperatures. The results guide road designers, material manufacturers, and quality control laboratories to predict pavement performance and improve durability, particularly in cold climate regions.
Primary keywords: bituminous mixtures, hot mix asphalt, low temperature cracking, uniaxial tension test, asphalt performance, road construction materials.
Key Topics
Low Temperature Cracking Susceptibility:
The core focus of this standard is on the measurement of asphalt’s resistance to cracking under low temperature conditions using continual mechanical loading and controlled temperature environments.Uniaxial Tension Tests:
Several mechanical tests are defined, including:- Uniaxial Tension Stress Test (UTST): Measures tensile strength and strain at failure across various temperatures.
- Thermal Stress Restrained Specimen Test (TSRST): Determines the minimum temperature asphalt can endure before cracking due to restrained thermal contraction.
- Relaxation Test (RT): Assesses the time-dependent reduction of stress under constant strain.
- Tensile Creep Test (TCT): Evaluates deformation behavior under constant load over time to estimate viscoelastic properties.
- Uniaxial Cyclic Tensile Stress Test (UCTST): Simulates fatigue behavior under repeated loads and cold stress.
Specimen Preparation and Calibration:
The standard details specimen geometries, laboratory sample extraction (from slabs or road cores), required drying and mounting procedures, as well as precision requirements for measuring devices and annual calibration protocols to ensure repeatable, reliable results.Test Parameters and Conditions:
Standardized temperature ranges (down to -40°C) and loading rates are specified, ensuring compatibility and comparability of results across different testing sites and for diverse asphalt mixtures.
Applications
Road Material Design and Approval:
Authorities use test outcomes from this standard to verify that asphalt mixtures are fit for use in climates with significant freeze-thaw cycles. This reduces maintenance needs and prolongs the service life of pavements.Quality Control and Assurance:
Asphalt producers and laboratories employ these methods as part of their quality systems to ensure each batch of mixture meets regulatory requirements for low temperature performance.Research and Development:
Universities and industrial R&D apply the tests to develop and compare new asphalt formulations, additives, and modification techniques aimed at enhancing cold weather resilience.Performance-Based Specifications:
Results from the uniaxial tension tests are integrated into performance-related specifications, supporting the shift from empirical to mechanistic pavement design approaches.
Related Standards
Several documents in the EN 12697 series complement Part 46 by covering other critical characteristics of hot mix asphalt, such as:
- EN 12697-1 – Soluble binder content
- EN 12697-2 – Particle size distribution
- EN 12697-23 – Indirect tensile test
- EN 12697-24 – Resistance to fatigue
- EN 12697-26 – Stiffness
- EN 12697-38 – Common equipment and calibration
These standards, when used alongside oSIST prEN 12697-46:2009, provide a holistic view of asphalt mix suitability for road construction and maintenance, supporting efforts toward safer, longer-lasting pavements in Europe and beyond.
Relations
- Referred By
SIST EN ISO 10380:2013 - Pipework - Corrugated metal hoses and hose assemblies (ISO 10380:2012) - Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
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Frequently Asked Questions
oSIST prEN 12697-46:2009 is a draft published by the Slovenian Institute for Standardization (SIST). Its full title is "Bituminous mixtures - Test methods for hot mix asphalt - Part 46: Low Temperature Cracking and Properties by Uniaxial Tension Tests". This standard covers: Definition of a test method to determine the susceptibility of asphalt to crack at low temperature and the temperature at which such cracking is likely to occur
Definition of a test method to determine the susceptibility of asphalt to crack at low temperature and the temperature at which such cracking is likely to occur
oSIST prEN 12697-46:2009 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 93.080.20 - Road construction materials. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
oSIST prEN 12697-46:2009 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to SIST EN ISO 10380:2013. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
oSIST prEN 12697-46:2009 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-julij-2009
%LWXPHQVNH]PHVL3UHVNXVQHPHWRGH]DYURþHDVIDOWQH]PHVLGHO
2GSRUQRVWDVIDOWQHSODVWLSURWLUD]SRNDPSULQL]NLKWHPSHUDWXUDK]HQRRVQLPL
QDWH]QLPLSUHVNXVL
Bituminous mixtures - Test methods for hot mix asphalt - Part 46: Low Temperature
Cracking and Properties by Uniaxial Tension Tests
Asphalt - Prüfverfahren für Heißasphalt - Teil 46: Rissbildung und Eigenschaften bei
niedrigen Temperaturen
Mélanges bitumineux - Essais pour enrobés à chaud - Partie 46: Fissuration et
propriétés à basse température par des essais de traction uniaxiale
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: prEN 12697-46
ICS:
93.080.20 Materiali za gradnjo cest Road construction materials
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.
EUROPEAN STANDARD
DRAFT
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
April 2009
ICS 93.080.20
English Version
Bituminous mixtures - Test methods for hot mix asphalt - Part
46: Low Temperature Cracking and Properties by Uniaxial
Tension Tests
Mélanges bitumineux - Essais pour enrobés à chaud - Asphalt - Prüfverfahren für Heißasphalt - Teil 46:
Partie 46: Fissuration et propriétés à basse température Rissbildung und Eigenschaften bei niedrigen Temperaturen
par des essais de traction uniaxiale
This draft European Standard is submitted to CEN members for enquiry. It has been drawn up by the Technical Committee CEN/TC 227.
If this draft becomes a European Standard, CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which
stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration.
This draft European Standard was established by CEN in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language
made by translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN Management Centre has the
same status as the official versions.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, 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.
Recipients of this draft are invited to submit, with their comments, notification of any relevant patent rights of which they are aware and to
provide supporting documentation.
Warning : This document is not a European Standard. It is distributed for review and comments. It is subject to change without notice and
shall not be referred to as a European Standard.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION
EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG
Management Centre: Avenue Marnix 17, B-1000 Brussels
© 2009 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. prEN 12697-46:2009: E
worldwide for CEN national Members.
Contents Page
Foreword .4
1 Scope .6
2 Normative references .6
3 Terms and definitions .7
4 Principle .8
5 Apparatus .8
5.1 Testing device for conducting UTST, TSRST, RT and TCT .8
5.1.1 Load device .8
5.1.2 Deformation measurement system . 10
5.1.3 Load measurement system . 10
5.1.4 Recording equipment . 10
5.1.5 Thermostatic chamber . 10
5.2 Testing device for conducting UCTST. 11
5.2.1 Dynamic testing device . 11
5.2.2 Monitoring system . 11
5.2.3 Electronic signal amplifier . 11
5.2.4 Thermostatic chamber . 11
5.2.5 Recording equipment . 12
6 Calibration . 12
6.1 Testing device for conducting UTST, TSRST, relaxation test and tensile creep test . 12
6.2 Testing device for conducting UCTST. 12
7 Specimen preparation . 12
7.1 Number of samples. 12
7.2 Dimensions . 12
7.3 Sawing . 13
7.4 Bulk density . 13
7.5 Drying . 13
7.6 Storage . 13
7.7 Mounting . 13
7.8 Installation and Preparation . 14
8 Procedure . 14
8.1 Uniaxial tension stress test (UTST) . 14
8.2 Thermal stress restrained specimen test (TSRST) . 15
8.3 Relaxation test (RT) . 15
8.4 Tensile creep test (TCT) . 16
8.5 Uniaxial cyclic tensile stress test (UCTST) . 17
8.5.1 Test temperature and test frequency. 17
8.5.2 Base stress . 17
8.5.3 Peak stress . 17
9 Calculation . 18
9.1 Tension strength reserve . 18
9.2 Uniaxial cyclic tensile stress test (UCTST) . 19
10 Test report . 20
10.1 General . 20
10.2 Information on specimen . 21
10.3 Information on test method . 21
10.4 Information on the test and results . 21
10.4.1 Uniaxial tension stress test (UTST) . 21
10.4.2 Thermal stress restrained specimen test (TSRST) . 21
10.4.3 Tension strength reserve. 21
10.4.4 Relaxation test . 22
10.4.5 Tensile Creep Test . 22
10.4.6 Uniaxial cyclic tensile stress test (UCTST) . 22
11 Precision. 23
Foreword
This document (prEN 12697-46:2009) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 227 “Road
materials”, the secretariat of which is held by DIN.
This document is currently submitted to the CEN Enquiry.
This European Standard is one of a series of standards as listed below:
EN 12697-1, Bituminous mixtures — Test methods for hot mix asphalt — Part 1: Soluble binder content
EN 12697-2, Bituminous mixtures — Test methods for hot mix asphalt — Part 2: Particle size distribution
EN 12697-3, Bituminous mixtures — Test methods for hot mix asphalt — Part 3: Binder recovery: Rotary
evaporator
EN 12697-4, Bituminous mixtures — Test methods for hot mix asphalt — Part 4: Binder recovery:
Fractionating column
EN 12697-5, Bituminous mixtures — Test methods for hot mix asphalt — Part 5: Determination of the
maximum density
EN 12697-6, Bituminous mixtures — Test methods for hot mix asphalt — Part 6: Determination of bulk density
of bituminous specimen by hydro-static method
EN 12697-7, Bituminous mixtures — Test methods for hot mix asphalt — Part 7: Determination of bulk density
of bituminous specimens by gamma rays
EN 12697-8, Bituminous mixtures — Test methods for hot mix asphalt — Part 8: Determination of the air voids
content of bituminous mixtures
EN 12697-9, Bituminous mixtures — Test methods for hot mix asphalt — Part 9: Determination of the
reference density, gyrator compactor
EN 12697-10, Bituminous mixtures — Test methods for hot mix asphalt — Part 10: Compactibility
EN 12697-11, Bituminous mixtures — Test methods for hot mix asphalt — Part 11: Determination of the
affinity between aggregates and binders
EN 12697-12, Bituminous mixtures — Test methods for hot mix asphalt — Part 12: Determination of the water
sensitivity of specimen
EN 12697-13, Bituminous mixtures — Test methods for hot mix asphalt — Part 13: Temperature
measurement
EN 12697-14, Bituminous mixtures — Test methods for hot mix asphalt — Part 14: Water content
EN 12697-15, Bituminous mixtures — Test methods for hot mix asphalt — Part 15: Determination of the
segregation sensitivity of bituminous mixtures
EN 12697-16, Bituminous mixtures — Test methods for hot mix asphalt — Part 16: Abrasion by studded tyres
EN 12697-17, Bituminous mixtures — Test methods for hot mix asphalt — Part 17: Particle loss of specimen
EN 12697-18, Bituminous mixtures — Test methods for hot mix asphalt — Part 18: Binder drainage from
porous asphalt
EN 12697-19, Bituminous mixtures — Test methods for hot mix asphalt — Part 19: Permeability of specimen
EN 12697-20, Bituminous mixtures — Test methods for hot mix asphalt — Part 20: Indentation using cube or
Marshall specimen
EN 12697-21, Bituminous mixtures — Test methods for hot mix asphalt — Part 21: Indentation using plate
specimen
EN 12697-22, Bituminous mixtures — Test methods for hot mix asphalt — Part 22: Wheel tracking test
EN 12697-23, Bituminous mixtures — Test methods for hot mix asphalt — Part 23: Indirect tensile test
EN 12697-24, Bituminous mixtures — Test methods for hot mix asphalt — Part 24: Resistance to fatigue
EN 12697-25, Bituminous mixtures — Test methods for hot mix asphalt — Part 25: Dynamic creep test
EN 12697-26, Bituminous mixtures — Test methods for hot mix asphalt — Part 26: Stiffness
EN 12697-27, Bituminous mixtures — Test methods for hot mix asphalt — Part 27: Sampling
EN 12697-28, Bituminous mixtures — Test methods for hot mix asphalt — Part 28: Preparation of samples for
determining binder content, water content and grading
EN 12697-29, Bituminous mixtures — Test methods for hot mix asphalt — Part 29: Determination of the
dimensions of bituminous specimen
EN 12697-30, Bituminous mixtures — Test methods for hot mix asphalt — Part 30: Preparation of specimen
by impact compactor
EN 12697-31, Bituminous mixtures — Test methods for hot mix asphalt — Part 31: Specimen preparation,
gyratory compactor
EN 12697-32, Bituminous mixtures — Test methods for hot mix asphalt — Part 32: Laboratory compaction of
bituminous mixtures by a vibratory compactor
EN 12697-33, Bituminous mixtures — Test methods for hot mix asphalt — Part 33: Specimen preparation,
slab compactor
EN 12697-34, Bituminous mixtures — Test methods for hot mix asphalt — Part 34: Marshall test
EN 12697-35, Bituminous mixtures — Test methods for hot mix asphalt — Part 35: Laboratory mixing
EN 12697-36, Bituminous mixtures — Test methods for hot mix asphalt — Part 36: Method for the
determination of the thickness of a bituminous pavement
EN 12697-37, Bituminous mixtures — Test methods for hot mix asphalt — Part 37: Hot sand test for the
adhesivity of binder on pre-coated chippings for hot rolled asphalt
EN 12697-38, Bituminous mixtures — Test methods for hot mix asphalt — Part 38: Common equipment and
calibration
EN 12697-39, Bituminous mixtures — Test methods for hot mix asphalt — Part 39: Binder content by ignition
EN 12697-40, Bituminous mixtures — Test methods for hot mix asphalt — Part 40: In-situ drainability of
porous asphalt
EN 12697-41, Bituminous mixtures — Test methods for hot mix asphalt — Part 41: Resistance to de-icing
fluids
EN 12697-42, Bituminous mixtures — Test methods for hot mix asphalt — Part 42: Amount of foreign matter
in reclaimed asphalt
EN 12697-43, Bituminous mixtures — Test methods for hot mix asphalt — Part 43: Resistance to fuel
prEN 12697-44, Bituminous mixtures — Test methods for hot mix asphalt — Part 44: Crack propagation by
semi-circular bending test
prEN 12697-45, Bituminous mixtures — Test methods for hot mix asphalt — Part 45: Saturation ageing tensile
stiffness (SATS) conditioning test
cracking and properties
prEN 12697-47, Bituminous mixtures — Test methods for hot mix asphalt — Part 47: Determination of the ash
content of Lake Asphalt
No existing European Standard is superseded.
1 Scope
This document (prEN 12697-46:2008) describes uniaxial tension tests for characterising the resistance of an
asphalt mixture against low temperature cracking. The results of the uniaxial tension tests can be used to
evaluate:
the tensile strength in dependence of the temperature by uniaxial tension stress test (UTST);
the minimum temperature that the asphalt can resist before failure by thermal stress restrained specimen
test (TSRST);
the tensile strength reserve in dependence of the temperature (by a combination of TSRST and UTST);
the relaxation time by the relaxation test (RT);
the creep curve to back calculate rheological parameters in tension state by tensile creep tests (TCT);
and
the fatigue resistance at low temperatures due to the combination of cryogenic and mechanical loads by
uniaxial cyclic tension stress tests (UCTST).
2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated
references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced
document (including any amendments) applies.
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
3.1
tensile strength β
t
tension stress that causes the failure of the specimen
3.2
tensile failure strain ε
failure
tensile strain that is measured at failure of the specimen in the uniaxial tension stress test (UTST)
3.3
cryogenic tensile stress σ (T)
cry
tension stress, induced by prohibited thermal shrinkage, at the temperature T
3.4
failure stress σ
cry, failure
cryogenic stress that causes a failure of the specimen in the thermal stress restrained specimen test (TSRST)
3.5
failure temperature T
failure
temperature at which the cryogenic stress causes a failure of the specimen in the thermal stress restrained
specimen test (TSRST)
3.6
tensile strength reserve ∆β
t
difference between the tensile strength and the cryogenic stress at the same temperature T where
∆β (T ) = β (T) −σ (T )
t t cry
3.7
time of relaxation t
rel
time until the stress decreased to 36,8 % (1/e) of its initial value
3.8
remaining tension stress σ (t)
rem
remaining stress after the time t in the relaxation test
3.9
initial complex modulus E*
complex modulus in Megapascal [MPa] after 100 load cycles, calculated according to EN 12697-26
3.10
conventional failure criterion N
f/50
number of load cycles reducing the complex modulus E* to half of its initial value E* (fatigue criterion)
3.11
additional failure criterion N
failure
number of load cycles leading to the development of a visible and recognisable crack in the asphalt specimen
(fracture criterion)
4 Principle
The low-temperature performance of asphalt specimens can be tested by the uniaxial tension stress test
(UTST), the thermal stress restrained specimen test (TSRST), the relaxation test (RT), the tensile creep test
(TCT) and/or the uniaxial cyclic tension stress test (UCTST).
In the UTST, a specimen is pulled with a constant strain rate at constant temperature until failure. Results
of the UTST are the maximum stress (tensile strength) β (T) and the corresponding tensile failure strain
t
ε (T) at the test temperature T.
failure
In the TSRST, a specimen, which length is held constant, is subjected to a temperature decrease with
constant temperature rate. Due to the prohibited thermal shrinkage, cryogenic stress is built up in the
specimen until failure. The results are the progression of the cryogenic stress over the temperature
σ (T) and the failure stress σ at the failure temperature T .
cry cry, failure failure
In the TCT, the specimen is subjected to a constant tension stress σ at a constant temperature T. The
progression of the strain ε is monitored. After a given time, the stress is withdrawn and the specimen
degrades the strain. Rheological parameters describing the elastic and viscous properties of the asphalt
can be estimated by interpreting the strain measurements.
In the RT, the specimen is subjected to a spontaneous strain ε, which is held on constant level. The
decrease of tension stress by relaxation over the testing time is monitored. The results are the time of
relaxation t and the remaining tension stress σ after the test ended.
rel rem
In the UCTST, a specimen is subjected to a cyclic tensile stress which is characterised by a sinusoidal
stress to simulate the dynamic loading condition by traffic in combination with a constant stress, which
symbolises the cryogenic stress. During the test, the strain response is monitored and the course of the
stiffness is recorded until fatigue failure. Results of the tests are the number of applied load cycles until
failure N and the number of load cycles until the conventional fatigue criterion is reached N .
failure f/50
5 Apparatus
5.1 Testing device for conducting UTST, TSRST, RT and TCT
Figures 1 and 2 show suitable testing devices for conducting uniaxial tension stress, thermal stress restrained
specimen, relaxation and tensile creep tests at low temperatures.
5.1.1 Load device
The load device must be able to generate movements with an accuracy of 0,1 µm. In order to avoid radial
and/or transversal forces as well as moments in the test specimen, the specimen is placed into the loading
device with two gimbal suspensions.
Key
1 load cell 5 gimbal suspension
2 displacement transducer 6 adapter
3 thermal indifferent measurement base 7 specimen
4 crossbeam 8 gear box with stepping motor
Figure 1 — Example of a test device for uniaxial tension tests at low temperatures
Key
1 swivel jig 6 loading rod 11 chamber
2 specimen 7 load cell 12 dummy with temperature sensor
3 end plate 8 load frame 13 fan
4 clamp 9 temperature sensor 14 LVDT
5 swivel jig 10 invar rod 15 step motor
Figure 2 — Example 2 for a test device for uniaxial tension tests at low te
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