This document specifies a method for the conditioning of bitumen or bituminous binders in order to provide for measuring the combined effects of heat and air on a thin moving film of bitumen or bituminous binder simulating the hardening which most bituminous binders undergo during mixing in an asphalt mixing plant. The method is referred to as RTFOT - Rolling Thin Film Oven Test.
The method described is applicable to paving grade bitumen. The method described is also applicable to other bituminous binders considering that the reference temperature can result in excessive hardening that does not resemble real conditions during mixing at the plant. It is possible that the method does not represent the hardening that occurs during mixing bitumen used for warm mix asphalt.
The method described is not applicable to those binders having a viscosity at the tested temperature not allowing to provide a moving film. In some cases, it is possible that the test sample creeps out of the glass container and flows on the heating elements of the oven during testing.
The method described is not applicable to binders with volatiles components present. In case of cutback bitumen or bituminous emulsion, the described procedure is only applicable after being stabilized, e.g. in accordance with EN 13074-2 [9].
WARNING - Use of this document can involve hazardous materials, operations and equipment. 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 identify the hazards and assess the risks involved in performing this test method and to implement sufficient control measures to protect individual operators (and the environment). This includes appropriate safety and health practices and determination of the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.