Revised Published Document for tarmac on roads to prevent potholes

BSI, the business standards company, has revised its Published Document for asphalt, with changes to help prevent the low temperature cracking of road surfaces which cause potholes, the bane of motorists across the UK.

With 24,000 miles of British road needing essential maintenance[1], the revised published document – PD 6692 – provides UK-centric guidance to better meet the road maintenance challenges in Britain.

PD 6692 Asphalt Guidance on the use of BS EN 12697 “Bituminous mixtures – Test methods for hot mix asphalt”, provides more detailed guidance for each of the test methods most applicable for use in the UK. Specific changes in the test methods relate to:

  • Crack propagation

  • Saturation ageing tensile stiffness

  • Low temperature cracking and properties

  • Ash content of natural asphalts

  • Interlaying bonding friction after polishing

  • Friction after polishing

  • Resistance to scuffing

  • Oxidative aging

  • Cohesion increased by spreadability

This document was developed to support public sector highway authorities and private infrastructure owners. It will also be of benefit more widely to asset managers; consultant engineers; architects; test houses; test equipment and manufacturers and suppliers; and research laboratories.

Ant Burd, Head of Built Environment at BSI, said: “PD 6692 was revised to better address the unique qualities of Britain’s almost 250,000 miles of road. After a particularly harsh winter, which has taken its toll on our nation’s highways, this Published Document will be welcomed by highway maintenance crews, local councils, and road users alike.”

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