Bitumens and bituminous binders - Determination of the tensile properties of bituminous binders by the tensile test method

This document specifies a method for determining the tensile properties of a bituminous binder, in particular those of a polymer modified bitumen, by means of a tensile test.
NOTE 1 The tensile properties, more particularly the tensile stress, the elongation and energy, at the yield point and on fracture, are customarily used as a criterion for assessing the quality of these materials.
NOTE 2 The test method described in EN 13589 [1] is an alternate test method to determine the tensile properties of polymer modified bitumens.
WARNING - The 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 establish appropriate safety and health practices and to determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

Bitumen und bitumenhaltige Bindemittel - Bestimmung der Streckeigenschaften von bitumenhaltigen Bindemitteln mit dem Zugprüfverfahren

Dieses Dokument legt ein Verfahren zur Bestimmung der Streckeigenschaften von bitumenhaltigem Bindemit
tel, insbesondere von polymermodifiziertem Bitumen, mit einer Zugprüfung fest.
ANMERKUNG1 Die Streckeigenschaften, insbesondere die Zugspannung, die Dehnung und die Arbeit an der Streck
grenze und beim Bruch, werden üblicherweise als Kriterium zur Beurteilung der Qualität dieser Materialen verwendet.
ANMERKUNG2 Das in EN13589[1] beschriebene Prüfverfahren ist ein alternatives Prüfverfahren zur Bestimmung der Zugeigenschaften von polymermodifizierten Bitumen.
WARNUNG- Die Anwendung dieses Dokuments kann den Einsatz gefährlicher Stoffe, Arbeitsgänge und Geräte bedingen. Dieses Dokument erhebt nicht den Anspruch, alle mit ihrer Anwendung verbun
denen Sicherheitsprobleme anzusprechen. Es liegt in der Verantwortung des Anwenders dieses
ments, geeignete Sicherheits- und Gesundheitsschutzmaßnahmen vorzusehen und vorher zu klären, ob einschränkende Vorschriften zu berücksichtigen sind.

Bitumes et liants bitumineux - Détermination des caractéristiques de traction des liants bitumineux par la méthode d'essai de traction

Le présent document spécifie une méthode permettant de déterminer les caractéristiques de traction des liants bitumineux, en particulier celles de bitumes modifiés par des polymères, au moyen d’un essai de traction.
NOTE 1 Il est usuel de faire appel, comme critères pour évaluer la qualité des bitumes et liants bitumineux, aux caractéristiques de traction, et plus particulièrement à la contrainte de traction, à l’allongement et à l’énergie, au seuil d’écoulement et à la rupture.
NOTE 2 La méthode d'essai décrite dans l'EN 13589 [1] constitue une alternative pour la détermination des propriétés de traction des bitumes modifiés par des polymères.

Bitumen in bitumenska veziva - Določanje nateznih lastnosti bitumenskih veziv z natezno preskusno metodo

General Information

Status
Not Published
Publication Date
13-Jun-2027
Current Stage
4020 - Submission to enquiry - Enquiry
Start Date
22-Jan-2026
Due Date
26-Jan-2026
Completion Date
22-Jan-2026

Relations

Effective Date
19-Jan-2023

Overview

prEN 13587 is a draft European Standard developed by CEN, focused on the determination of tensile properties of bituminous binders, especially polymer-modified bitumen, using the tensile test method. Bitumens and bituminous binders play a crucial role in road construction and infrastructure projects, where their mechanical performance under tensile forces is key for quality and durability. The standard provides a detailed and systematic approach for obtaining key mechanical properties, including tensile stress, elongation, and energy at yield and fracture points.

This test method supports manufacturers, laboratories, and civil engineers in assessing the suitability and performance of bituminous binders used in various construction applications. The procedure ensures a consistent framework for comparing the tensile behavior of different materials, which is central for quality assurance and specification compliance in bituminous products.

Key Topics

  • Test Principle: A bituminous binder specimen is held and stretched between two jaws at a controlled temperature and constant speed until elongation or fracture occurs. The system records force and elongation to assess stress-strain characteristics.
  • Measured Properties:
    • Tensile stress
    • Elongation (as percentage or actual length increase)
    • Deformation energy and cohesion energy (energy per area at specified elongations, especially at 400% elongation for polymer-modified bitumens)
  • Test Apparatus: Use of a specialized tensile machine, attachment devices (recommendation for pneumatic clamping jaws to avoid slippage or stress concentration), temperature-controlled chambers, and optical extensometers as optional.
  • Sample Preparation: Specifies procedures and requirements for moulding “dumbbell-shaped H2” specimens, including temperature conditioning and handling to achieve consistent, defect-free samples.
  • Result Expression: Results include averages of three specimens, with cohesion energy expressed in joules per square centimetre to two significant figures. Repeatability and reproducibility requirements are set to ensure reliable data.

Applications

  • Quality Control of Bituminous Products: Enables manufacturers and laboratories to test and verify the mechanical properties of bituminous binders, particularly for roads and civil engineering projects.
  • Specification Compliance: Supports conformity to European requirements for polymer-modified bitumen, with direct references to specification frameworks such as EN 14023.
  • Research and Development: Facilitates comparative studies and development of new bituminous materials by providing a harmonized test for tensile performance.
  • Field and Laboratory Testing: Standardizes procedures for both factory and independent laboratory settings, ensuring results are comparable across Europe.
  • Assessment of Material Suitability: Provides a valuable method for engineers and contractors evaluating the adhesion, durability, and overall performance of bituminous materials under tensile loads.

Note: The standard emphasizes that testing must be conducted with appropriate safety and health precautions, as the use of hazardous materials and specialized equipment is involved.

Related Standards

  • EN 13589: Alternate method for determining the tensile properties of polymer-modified bitumens using the force ductility method.
  • EN 14023: Outlines specification frameworks for polymer-modified bitumens, referenced for result comparison.
  • EN 58: Covers sampling procedures for bituminous binders.
  • EN 12594: Details procedures for preparation of test samples.
  • EN 12597: Terminology standard for bitumens and bituminous binders.
  • EN ISO 527 (all parts): Tensile property determination for plastics; provides related test methodology and definitions.
  • ISO 5893: Specification for tensile, flexural, and compression test equipment relevant to rubber and plastics.
  • EN 13703:2003 (withdrawn): Provided precision data for deformation energy determination used for historical comparison.

By following prEN 13587, industry professionals can ensure reliable, repeatable, and standardized measurement of tensile properties for bituminous binders, facilitating quality assurance and specification compliance across infrastructure projects.

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Frequently Asked Questions

prEN 13587 is a draft published by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). Its full title is "Bitumens and bituminous binders - Determination of the tensile properties of bituminous binders by the tensile test method". This standard covers: This document specifies a method for determining the tensile properties of a bituminous binder, in particular those of a polymer modified bitumen, by means of a tensile test. NOTE 1 The tensile properties, more particularly the tensile stress, the elongation and energy, at the yield point and on fracture, are customarily used as a criterion for assessing the quality of these materials. NOTE 2 The test method described in EN 13589 [1] is an alternate test method to determine the tensile properties of polymer modified bitumens. WARNING - The 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 establish appropriate safety and health practices and to determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

This document specifies a method for determining the tensile properties of a bituminous binder, in particular those of a polymer modified bitumen, by means of a tensile test. NOTE 1 The tensile properties, more particularly the tensile stress, the elongation and energy, at the yield point and on fracture, are customarily used as a criterion for assessing the quality of these materials. NOTE 2 The test method described in EN 13589 [1] is an alternate test method to determine the tensile properties of polymer modified bitumens. WARNING - The 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 establish appropriate safety and health practices and to determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

prEN 13587 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 75.140 - Waxes, bituminous materials and other petroleum products; 91.100.50 - Binders. Sealing materials. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.

prEN 13587 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to EN 13587:2016. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.

prEN 13587 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.

Standards Content (Sample)


SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-marec-2026
Bitumen in bitumenska veziva - Določanje nateznih lastnosti bitumenskih veziv z
natezno preskusno metodo
Bitumens and bituminous binders - Determination of the tensile properties of bituminous
binders by the tensile test method
Bitumen und bitumenhaltige Bindemittel - Bestimmung der Streckeigenschaften von
bitumenhaltigen Bindemitteln mit dem Zugprüfverfahren
Bitumes et liants bitumineux - Détermination des caractéristiques de traction des liants
bitumineux par la méthode d'essai de traction
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: prEN 13587
ICS:
75.140 Voski, bitumni in drugi naftni Waxes, bituminous materials
proizvodi and other petroleum products
91.100.50 Veziva. Tesnilni materiali Binders. Sealing materials
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

DRAFT
EUROPEAN STANDARD
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
January 2026
ICS 75.140; 91.100.50 Will supersede EN 13587:2016
English Version
Bitumens and bituminous binders - Determination of the
tensile properties of bituminous binders by the tensile test
method
Bitumes et liants bitumineux - Détermination des Bitumen und bitumenhaltige Bindemittel -
caractéristiques de traction des liants bitumineux par Bestimmung der Streckeigenschaften von
la méthode d'essai de traction bitumenhaltigen Bindemitteln mit dem
Zugprüfverfahren
This draft European Standard is submitted to CEN members for enquiry. It has been drawn up by the Technical Committee
CEN/TC 336.
If this draft becomes a European Standard, CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations
which stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration.

This draft European Standard was established by CEN in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other
language made by translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC
Management Centre has the same status as the official versions.

CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway,
Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye and
United Kingdom.
Recipients of this draft are invited to submit, with their comments, notification of any relevant patent rights of which they are
aware and to provide supporting documentation.

Warning : This document is not a European Standard. It is distributed for review and comments. It is subject to change without
notice and shall not be referred to as a European Standard.

EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION

EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2026 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. prEN 13587:2026 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

Contents Page
European foreword . 3
1 Scope . 4
2 Normative references . 4
3 Terms and definitions . 4
4 Principle . 5
5 Apparatus . 5
6 Samples preparation and conservation . 7
7 Procedure. 8
8 Calculation . 8
9 Expression of results . 9
10 Precision . 9
10.1 General . 9
10.2 Repeatability, r . 9
10.3 Reproducibility, R .10
11 Test report .10
Annex A (normative) Cohesion specification criteria .11
Bibliography .13

European foreword
This document (prEN 13587:2025) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 336 “Bitumens and
bituminous binders”, the secretariat of which is held by AFNOR.
This document is currently submitted to the CEN Enquiry.
This document will supersede EN 13587:2016.
a) Clause 5, Apparatus: for the specimen attachment, the use of pneumatic clamping jaws has been
recommended (see 5.1.2);
b) Clause 6, Samples preparation and conservation: specimens are cooled down at room temperature
between 1 h and 24 h and then kept in a refrigerator for not more than 1 h before the test;
c) Clause 7, Procedure: the measurement of width B has been introduced, the duration of the holding time
of the specimen at the test temperature has been set to an interval of 1 h to 3 h and the requirement for a
waiting time of 5 min after temperature stabilization has been withdrawn;
d) Clause 8, Calculation: the result shall now be the average of three determinations for each parameter;
e) Clause 9, Expression of results: has been introduced requiring the cohesion energy results to be expressed
to two significant figures;
f) Clause 10, Precision: has been reworded;
g) Annex A, Cohesion specification criteria: keys have been added to Figures A.1 and A.2;
h) the document and its structure have been editorially reviewed.
1 Scope
This document specifies a method for determining the tensile properties of a bituminous binder, in particular
those of a polymer modified bitumen, by means of a tensile test.
NOTE 1 The tensile properties, more particularly the tensile stress, the elongation and energy, at the yield point and
on fracture, are customarily used as a criterion for assessing the quality of these materials.
NOTE 2 The test method described in EN 13589 [1] is an alternate test method to determine the tensile properties of
polymer modified bitumens.
WARNING — The 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 establish appropriate safety and health practices and to determine the
applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content constitutes
requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references,
the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
EN 58, Bitumen and bituminous binders — Sampling bituminous binders
EN 12594, Bitumens and bituminous binders — Preparation of test samples
EN 12597, Bitumens and bituminous binders — Terminology
EN ISO 527 (all parts), Plastics — Determination of tensile properties(ISO 527)
ISO 5893, Rubber and plastics test equipment — Tensile, flexural and compression types (constant rate of
traverse) — Specification
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in EN 12597 and the following apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at https://www.electropedia.org
3.1
tensile force
F
force undergone by a specimen subjected to extension
Note 1 to entry: Tensile force is expressed in Newton (N).
3.2
Elongation
L
increase in length of a specimen
Note 1 to entry: Elongation is expressed in metres (m).
Note 2 to entry: Elongation can also be expressed in percentage (%) of the initial length. It is then calculated as [(new
length – initial length)/initial length] × 100.
3.3
brittle break
rupture happening at the beginning of the test before the flowing threshold when the stress-strain curve is
still linear
3.4
flowing threshold
first maximum of the stress-strain curve
3.5
deformation energy
E
i
energy supplied by test pieces, until displacement, i, of the moving element
Note 1 to entry: The deformation energy E is expressed in joules (J).
i
3.6
cohesion energy
*
E
i
quotient of the deformation energy, E (3.5) and the initial cross section of the test specimen
i
Note 1 to entry: The initial cross section of the test specimen is expressed in square centimetres (cm ) therefore the
*
cohesion energy E is expressed joules per square centimetres (J/cm ).
i
4 Principle
A specimen, held by its ends between two jaws, is extended in a chamber (5.2), regulated at the test
temperature, at a constant speed until a given elongation or fracture is achieved. In general, the stress and the
elongation are noted at the flowing thresholds: at an elongation of 400 % and at breaking.
The deformation energy, E , is determined from the recordings of the tensile curve (see Figures A.1) obtained,
i
in accordance with the procedure described in Clause 7, by calculating the area delimited by:
— the abscissa axes corresponding to elongations;
— the recorded curve (force versus elongation);
— a parallel to the ordinate axis which passes by a given elongation or the breaking point (see Figure A.2).
*
The cohesion energy, E , is obtained as the quotient of the deformation energy at 400 % elongation (250 mm
i
for H2 type specimen final length) and the initial cross section of the test specimen.
5 Apparatus
The usual laboratory apparatus and glassware, together with the following, shall be used.
5.1 T
...

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