This European Standard specifies an accelerated ageing/conditioning procedure for bituminous binders. The procedure involves ageing trays of binder at elevated temperatures under pressurised conditions in a pressure ageing vessel (PAV).
NOTE For binders to be used in hot asphalt applications the pre-conditioning of the sample would typically be by one of the methods in EN 12607. For binders to be used in bituminous emulsion and cut-back applications the stabilising of the sample should be such that there are no volatiles remaining.
WARNING - The use of this standard can involve hazardous materials, operations and equipment, in particular, the use of a high pressure ageing vessel. This standard does not purport to address all of the safety problems associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate health and safety practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
If there is the likelihood of volatile components being present in a binder, this procedure shall not be used.