Bituminous Testing Services
Bituminous road surfacing materials are produced by mixing mineral aggregate with a bitumen binder in predetermined quantities and within defined temperature ranges. Other materials are sometimes added to the mixture, including fibres, polymers, and pigments, to produce specific performance characteristics.
At ACS Testing, we are UKAS accredited for a wide range of bituminous testing services - on-site and in the laboratory. Our highly skilled technicians all hold current CSCS cards and are fully trained in health and safety per the appropriate method statements and risk assessments. We make it our duty to keep up to date with British (BS) and European (EN) standards supporting projects that involve road coring test work and national highway maintenance requirements.
In addition, we provide specialist services covering road coring test procedures and ensuring compliance with national highway maintenance requirements.
Why Bituminous Testing?
Bitumen is a common option for road surfacing and other industrial highway purposes. It is also known for its waterproofing and adhesive properties, making it an effective solution for roofing. Bituminous testing is crucial for determining that the material will perform as required, with processes such as bituminous core testing and asphalt testing helping to validate quality and consistency.
There are various testing methods available, which can be used to characterise the material's viscosity, penetration, softening point, and ductility. This may include an asphalt compaction test, an asphalt density test, or an asphalt core test, each providing reliable data about the strength and durability of the surface material. This data will help project managers ensure their infrastructure can withstand heavy traffic, extreme weather conditions, and time.
Long-lasting and durable construction is not only important for meeting relevant regulatory requirements, but also for informing cost-effective maintenance strategies for the future.
Bituminous Test Types
Our Bituminous Test Laboratory covers a comprehensive range of testing, including but not limited to:
| Test | Method | What it shows |
| Binder Content | BS EN 12697-1 | Breaking down the constituents of blacktop to determine the mineral grading, filler content and quantity of binder. This process supports the binder content test of bitumen. |
| Particle Size Distribution | BS EN 12697-2 | |
| Maximum Density | BS EN 12697-5 | The maximum density of a mix used to define the 100% when comparing to in-situ density or bulk density of bitumen cores. |
| Bulk Density | BS EN 12697-6 | Measuring the layer density of a core sample, forming part of a standard asphalt core test. |
| Air Voids Content | BS EN 12697-8 | Calculating the difference between bulk density / maximum density to provide air voids. This is a key element in an asphalt compaction test. |
| Percentage Refusal Density (PRD) | BS EN 12697-9 | Measuring density of core layer, heating, compacting and re-measuring density to validate long-term pavement performance. Often used within wider asphalt test reporting. |
Road Core Testing, Coal Tar and ADEPT Reporting
At ACS Testing, we provide specialist road core testing to assess the quality and performance of in-situ pavement materials. By extracting and analysing core samples, we can carry out essential checks such as the asphalt density test, asphalt compaction test, and asphalt core test to ensure that road surfaces meet design and safety requirements.
Our experts also undertake coal tar identification to help detect hazardous materials in road structures. This process is vital for environmental compliance and for planning safe, cost-effective maintenance programmes.
Our Reporting and ADEPT Management
Our reporting follows the ADEPT management framework. This ensures local authorities, contractors, and consultants have clear standardised data that supports national highway maintenance projects. At ACS, our reports align with the national code of practice for highway maintenance management, providing confidence that maintenance and construction decisions are based on reliable evidence.
Contact us for Bituminous Testing Services
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Core Test?
A core test involves drilling and removing a sample from a road surface to measure strength and durability. At ACS, our bituminous test services include bituminous core testing, road coring test analysis and checks such as the asphalt density test to support national highway maintenance projects.
What is bituminous testing?
A bituminous test characterises a bituminous material’s ductility, softening point, penetration, or viscosity. This data is invaluable for determining the suitability of the material for road surfacing and ensuring regulatory compliance.
What is the percentage refusal density test?
The percentage refusal density (PRD) test is a type of bituminous test that defines the ratio of the initial bulk density of a bituminous sample to the final density – refusal density – expressed as a percentage. These results can be used to determine the resistance of the material to deformation.
What is the test for particle size distribution in bitumen?
According to BS EN 12697-2, the bituminous test for the particle size distribution of the aggregates found in a bituminous material should be carried out by sieve analysis following binder extraction. This test identifies the filler content, mineral grading, and quantity of the binder.
How do you test the bulk density of asphalt?
There are two common bituminous tests used to measure the bulk density of a material: physical analysis of the layer density of a core sample, and use of the nuclear gauge. While the nuclear gauge is generally faster and non-destructive, it is not as accurate as the core analysis.
Please see below for a list of the services provided by ACS:
Geo-Environmental Consultancy
The ACS Geo-Environmental Consultancy Department has been operating as part of ACS for over 10 years.
On-Site Testing Services
ACS offers a comprehensive range of professional on-site testing, all carried out by our fully trained site technicians.
Aggregates and Soils Testing
From our main laboratory in Poole, Dorset, ACS provide quality testing and material consultancy for the construction and civil engineering industry.
Bituminous Testing
ACS carries out testing on new bituminous binder material and testing on hardened material for physical and chemical properties. Circa pre 1980’s Tar (Carcinogenic effects) was also used as a binder, ACS staff can sample and test materials to assess if Tar was used.
Concrete Testing
Concrete was the first service to be offered by ACS back in 1987. Since then, we have increased our scope to cover a wide range of UKAS Accredited testing methods on fresh and hardened concrete.
Mortar and Screed Testing
ACS can sample and test new and hardened mortar. Hardened mortar for mix proportions and constituents, new mortar for compressive and flexural strength.
Contamination and WAC Testing
At ACS we offer an efficient and reliable chemical analysis service for waste soils and construction materials using various test solids and leaching procedures specified by the Environment Agency.
Chemical Testing
The ACS chemical laboratory was established in 2007. It complements the physical materials testing service provided by ACS by offering a range of chemical analytical services.
Leachate and Water Analysis
Our purpose-built analytical laboratory enables ACS to provide a comprehensive sampling, monitoring and analysis service on a wide range of leachate and water samples.
Natural Stone Testing
Our newly refurbished stone testing laboratory has given us the opportunity to expand our testing scope. In addition, we have increased production and improved on our turnaround of samples.
Site Laboratory Services
Over the last 35 years, ACS have supplied custom fitted site laboratories with technicians to many construction sites and projects worldwide.
Persistent Organic Pollutants
Our experienced lab technicians can provide detailed and accurate analysis of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) in almost any sample matrix in line with the Stockholm Convention.
Energy From Waste
Experts in Energy from Waste residues, ACS offers a full range of services, including gasification, pyrolysis, syngas and tar sampling, and analysis and interpretation of analytical results for IBA and APCr.
RoHS Compliance Testing
At ACS, we undertake rigorous RoHS compliance testing to identify and quantify any contaminants in your shredded waste, ensuring your product meets strict RoHS requirements.
Energy Supply, Generation & Regulation
Our highly skilled team provide industry-leading waste fuel testing services for RDF, SRF, MSW, and Solid Biomass, helping you save costs and meet compliance standards for total peace of mind.
CONTACT ONE OF THE TEAM
If you require a collection that is outside of our usual range, please feel free to call us on 01202 622858.
Or contact us and we will do our best to accommodate your requirements.