This document specifies an accelerated long-term ageing/conditioning procedure for bituminous binders. The procedure involves ageing trays of binder at elevated temperatures under pressurized conditions in a pressure ageing vessel (PAV).
NOTE For binders to be used in hot and warm asphalt applications, the pre-conditioning of the sample can be performed using one of the methods in the EN 12607 series. For binders to be used in bituminous emulsion and cut back or fluxed applications, the stabilization of the sample is such that there are no volatiles remaining.
WARNING - The use of this document can involve hazardous materials, operations and equipment, in particular, the use of a high pressure ageing vessel. This document does not purport to address all of the safety problems associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this document 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 is not used.