Introduction to Asphalt and Bituminous Testing
Asphalt and bituminous testing provides essential insights into the quality, durability, and compliance of materials used in roads, car parks, and infrastructure. They help ensure structural integrity, prevent premature deterioration, and reduce long-term maintenance costs.
There are many asphalt and bituminous test methods, measuring properties such as viscosity, penetration, softening point, ductility, and density. Results confirm whether selected road construction materials meet safety, performance, and cost-effectiveness requirements.
Our Asphalt and Bituminous Test Services
Ensuring the quality of bituminous mixtures in road construction is essential for achieving compliance with contract specifications. Using durable materials from the start also minimises construction setbacks and supports cost-effective maintenance planning.
CTS provides a full range of UKAS-accredited on-site and laboratory asphalt and bituminous testing services across the UK. Our expertise verifies that materials meet compliance with industry standards and ensures material quality, durability, and long-term performance.
This page outlines all our bituminous and asphalt tests and the standards they follow. If you’re unsure which asphalt testing or bituminous test service you need, get in touch.
Our team will be happy to discuss your project requirements and provide a quote.
On-Site Bituminous and Asphalt Test Services
Our on-site testing services assess the performance of asphalt and bituminous materials after installation. They help to confirm compliance with contract requirements and regulatory standards.
Asphalt Sampling (BS EN 12697-27)
We carry out systematic sampling of delivered and laid asphalt. This ensures consistency and supports accurate laboratory analysis. Strict procedures prevent contamination and help maintain high-quality results.
Asphalt Core Sampling (BS EN 12697-27)
We extract asphalt core samples using specialised coring equipment. These asphalt core samples are analysed for thickness, density, and defects. Asphalt core sample testing helps verify compliance, material quality, and layer performance.
Nuclear Density Gauge Test
The nuclear density gauge test measures the in-place density and moisture content of asphalt layers. This nuclear density test provides rapid, non-destructive results and confirms correct compaction.
Electromagnetic / Dielectric Density Measurement
This method uses electromagnetic devices to measure asphalt density. It offers a safe (non-nuclear) alternative to the nuclear density test, with similar accuracy and no regulatory restrictions.
Macrotexture Analysis (BS EN 13036-1)
Macrotexture analysis is a type of road surface testing. It measures surface texture depth to confirm skid resistance and water drainage. This helps maintain road safety in wet conditions.
Surface Regularity Testing
This test evaluates the evenness of a laid surface. It identifies variations that may affect drainage, vehicle wear, or ride quality. (Testing standards: TRRL Supplementary Report 290 / Specification for Highways Works Series 700.)
Rate of Spread (BS EN 598-1)
This road surface testing method checks the uniformity and adequacy of binder and chippings. It ensures strong adhesion and long-lasting road surfaces.
Temperature Monitoring (BS EN 12697-13)
Temperature affects asphalt workability and compaction. We use infrared sensors, thermocouples, and probes to provide accurate, real-time temperature readings.
Road Skid Resistance Test (BS EN 13036-4)
This road skid resistance test uses a pendulum tester to measure surface friction. It supports road safety assessments in high traffic locations, junctions, and crossings.
Laboratory Asphalt and Bituminous Test Services
Our laboratory testing provides detailed analysis of asphalt and bituminous materials. These asphalt tests support quality control, compliance verification, and investigations into pavement failures.
Asphalt Softening Point Test
The asphalt softening point test identifies the temperature at which the material softens. Steel balls are placed on the sample, which is heated until they drop. This determines the softening point.
Penetration Test for Asphalt
The asphalt penetration test measures asphalt hardness and consistency. A needle penetrates the asphalt binder under controlled conditions to determine penetration depth.
Ductility Test of Bitumen
This test measures the ductility of bituminous material. The sample is stretched until it breaks, providing the ductility value.
Binder Content and Aggregate Grading (BS EN 12697-1,-2)
This asphalt test determines binder content and aggregate distribution. It confirms compliance with asphalt mix design requirements.
Binder Recovery (BS EN 12697-1,-2)
Binder recovery evaluates properties of the recovered asphalt binder. It helps assess asphalt durability and long-term performance.
Maximum Density Test (BS EN 12697-5)
This test determines the maximum density of an asphalt mixture. It is essential for calculating air voids and achieving correct compaction.
Density and Air Voids of Cored Materials (BS EN 12697-6,-8,-29,-32)
This asphalt test measures the in-place density and air void percentage of compacted asphalt. It helps assess asphalt durability and permeability.
Asphalt Layer Thickness
We measure asphalt layer thickness and compare it with design specifications. This confirms compliance with construction requirements.
Core Logging and Photography
Core logging provides a visual and documented record of asphalt core samples. It supports analysis of composition, bonding, and potential defects.
Coal Tar Analysis
Coal tar analysis identifies coal tar and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAKs). Older pavements may contain these hazardous substances and require controlled handling.
PAK Testing
Our PAK testing service uses PAK marker testing aerosol and UV light. Yellow discolouration indicates the presence of PAKs in asphalt core samples.
Adhesivity Testing (Hot Sand)
This asphalt test evaluates the adhesivity of pre coated chippings. It ensures reliable retention and durability of surface dressings.
On-Site Asphalt and Bituminous Testing Standards
CTS performs asphalt and bituminous test services in line with all relevant UK and European standards, carried out by our experienced and accredited* sampling, testing, and analysis teams.
On-Site Testing |
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Nuclear & PQI Density Meter Surveys (Density & Air Voids) |
In-house method |
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Surface Regularity (Rolling & Transverse Straightedge) |
TRRL Supplementary Report 290 / Specification for Highways Works series 700 |
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Sampling of Delivered & Laid Materials |
BS EN 12697-27 |
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Texture & Macrotexture Analysis |
BS EN 13036-1 |
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Temperature & Materials Laying Records |
BS EN 12697-13 |
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Coring of Pavement Surfaces |
BS EN 12697-27 |
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Rate of Spread of Chippings |
BS EN 598-1 |
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Road Skid Resistance Test (Pendulum) |
BS EN 13036-4 |
Laboratory Testing |
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Binder Content & Aggregate Grading |
BS EN 12697-1 & BS EN 12697-2 |
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Maximum Density |
BS EN 12697-5 |
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Binder Recovery |
BS EN 12697-1 & BS EN 12697-2 |
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Binder Softening Point & Penetration |
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Hot Sand Test for Adhesivity On Pre-Coated Chipping |
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Density & Refusal Density, Including Air Voids of Cored Materials |
BS EN 12697-6, BS EN 12697-29 BS EN 12697-8, BS EN 12697-32 |
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Core Logging & Photography |
In-house method |
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Tar Content |
In-house method |
Why Choose CTS?
CTS is a leading UK provider of asphalt and bituminous test services. We support regional and national surfacing contractors with the same level of care, from housing estates to major highways.
All our asphalt and bituminous testing services are available individually or as part of wider site and materials testing programmes. We support routine quality checks, pavement projects, and failure investigations.
Benefits of working with CTS:
- UKAS-accredited on-site and laboratory testing
- Expertise in asphalt testing, bituminous analysis, and compliance verification
- Services for housing estates, roadways, motorways, and infrastructure projects
- Dedicated technical team ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and regulatory compliance
Contact CTS today for expert guidance and tailored solutions to help you ensure the highest standards of quality and compliance in your next project.
Request a Quote
Asphalt and Bituminous Testing FAQs
Is bitumen the same as asphalt?
Bitumen and asphalt are not the same. Bitumen is a naturally occurring material made up of hydrocarbons, while asphalt is a man-made product derived from bitumen.
Is asphalt the same as tarmac?
No. Asphalt uses bituminous binder, while tarmac uses tar. Their properties and compositions differ.
What is asphalt?
Asphalt is a mixture of aggregates and asphalt binder. It is one of the key bituminous mixtures for surfacing roads.
Why is asphalt density testing important?
Asphalt density affects durability and lifespan. Common methods include the nuclear density test, maximum density test, and refusal density test.
What does a straightedge test measure?
A straightedge test measures the surface regularity of pavements. It involves placing a straight 2m or 3m beam on the ground and measuring the spaces between the beam and the ground.
What is the Marshall method?
The Marshall method is used for asphalt mix design. It helps determine the optimal mix for strength and stability.
What are common bituminous test methods?
Penetration and softening point tests are widely used to assess performance and durability.
What do asphalt road testing methods measure?
They evaluate stiffness, resistance to deformation, viscosity, and other key properties.
What is asphalt core sampling?
Asphalt core sampling involves taking samples from the road. Asphalt core sample testing reports air void percentages and material composition.
How is bitumen used in road construction?
Bitumen (asphalt binder) binds aggregates in asphalt mixtures. It provides strength and weather resistance.
What are bituminous test services?
These services assess the properties of bituminous mixtures at all stages of use.