SIST EN 16849:2017
(Main)Bitumen and bituminous binders - Determination of water content in bituminous emulsions - Method using a drying balance
General Information
- Abstract
This European Standard specifies a quick method for determining, by evaporation, the water content of bituminous road emulsions, with or without polymer added.
For bituminous emulsions without flux oil, bituminous emulsions containing vegetal flux oil, and bituminous emulsions containing up to 1,5 % mass of mineral flux oil in the emulsion, this European Standard, according to the selected operating conditions, is considered as an alternative method to the reference method EN 1428 [1].
Above a mineral flux oil content of 1,5 % by mass, depending on the volatility of the flux oil:
- the present method can be used up to a flux oil content above 1,5 % by mass if the user can prove its reliability in comparison to EN 1428.
- the present method can only be used by correcting the result by means of a previously established correlation with the reference method EN 1428.
NOTE Polymer modified emulsions can behave differently in the test than unmodified emulsions; in case of doubt, the method is checked against EN 1428.
In case of dispute, the water content should be determined according to EN 1428.
WARNING - The use of this European Standard can involve hazardous materials, operations and equipment. This European Standard does not purport to address all of the safety problems associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this European Standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. For environmental reasons and to reduce emissions to air, water and soil, it is recommended to limit the use of products, solvents and energy to the minimum required for a valid test result.
- Status
- Published
- Public Enquiry End Date
- 24-Jul-2015
- Publication Date
- 28-Nov-2016
- Technical Committee
- VLA - Water proofing
- Current Stage
- 6060 - National Implementation/Publication (Adopted Project)
- Start Date
- 27-Oct-2016
- Due Date
- 01-Jan-2017
- Completion Date
- 29-Nov-2016
Overview
SIST EN 16849:2017 defines a rapid, evaporation-based method for determining the water content of bituminous emulsions using a drying balance. Applicable to bituminous road emulsions with or without polymer additives, this European standard supports precise quality control in road construction, asphalt manufacturing, and bituminous materials testing. By offering a quick alternative to reference methods, it helps streamline laboratory workflows, especially when dealing with emulsions containing vegetal or up to 1.5% mineral flux oil.
Key Topics
Scope of the Standard
- Defines a rapid, non-azeotropic determination of water content in bituminous emulsions by regulated drying.
- Alternative to EN 1428 and EN 1431 for certain emulsion types, especially those with limited mineral or vegetal flux oil.
- Notes specific operating conditions and corrections required for emulsions with higher levels of mineral flux oil or polymer modifications.
Principle of the Method
- Water is evaporated by controlled heating; the drying balance automatically tracks mass loss until a steady mass is reached.
- The measured difference indicates the water content as a percentage by mass.
Sampling and Preparation
- Samples must be collected per EN 58 and prepared in line with EN 12594 to ensure accuracy and consistency.
Precision and Reporting
- Sets out standards for repeatability and reproducibility to ensure reliable results (repeatability ≤0.6% and reproducibility ≤1.8% by mass).
- Provides guidelines for reporting, including temperature, criterion for stopping the test, and notes on corrections if required.
Safety and Environmental Considerations
- Recognizes the potential hazards associated with equipment and materials used.
- Recommends limiting the use of chemicals and energy for sustainable operation.
Applications
The determination of water content in bituminous emulsions is critical for:
- Road Construction Quality Control
- Ensures bituminous binders have appropriate moisture content for consistent performance in road paving and maintenance.
- Material Testing Laboratories
- Streamlines analysis of a wide variety of emulsions, supporting faster turnaround times compared to traditional azeotropic distillation.
- Production of Asphalt and Bitumen-based Products
- Enables manufacturers to monitor and maintain strict specifications, helping to enhance product reliability and durability.
- Research and Development
- Provides a standardized approach for comparing new polymer-modified or bio-fluxed emulsions.
This method is particularly valuable when speed and adaptability are required, provided the material composition falls within the standard's specified limits.
Related Standards
For broader context and compliance, consider the following related standards:
- EN 1428: Bitumen and bituminous binders - Determination of water content in bituminous emulsions - Azeotropic distillation method
- EN 1431: Bitumen and bituminous binders - Determination of residual binder and oil distillate from bitumen emulsions by distillation
- EN 58: Bitumen and bituminous binders - Sampling bituminous binders
- EN 12594: Bitumen and bituminous binders - Preparation of test samples
- ISO 5725-2: Accuracy (trueness and precision) of measurement methods and results - Part 2: Basic method for determining repeatability and reproducibility
Implementing SIST EN 16849:2017 helps organizations improve efficiency in bituminous emulsion testing, meet regulatory requirements, and ensure the consistent quality of road construction materials. By aligning with recognized European and international bitumen testing standards, users support reliable and sustainable infrastructure development.
Relations
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
Get Certified
Connect with accredited certification bodies for this standard
DIBt (Deutsches Institut für Bautechnik)
German Institute for Building Technology.
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DIN Group product certification.

Element Materials Technology
Materials testing and product certification.
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Frequently Asked Questions
SIST EN 16849:2017 is a standard published by the Slovenian Institute for Standardization (SIST). Its full title is "Bitumen and bituminous binders - Determination of water content in bituminous emulsions - Method using a drying balance". This standard covers: This European Standard specifies a quick method for determining, by evaporation, the water content of bituminous road emulsions, with or without polymer added. For bituminous emulsions without flux oil, bituminous emulsions containing vegetal flux oil, and bituminous emulsions containing up to 1,5 % mass of mineral flux oil in the emulsion, this European Standard, according to the selected operating conditions, is considered as an alternative method to the reference method EN 1428 [1]. Above a mineral flux oil content of 1,5 % by mass, depending on the volatility of the flux oil: - the present method can be used up to a flux oil content above 1,5 % by mass if the user can prove its reliability in comparison to EN 1428. - the present method can only be used by correcting the result by means of a previously established correlation with the reference method EN 1428. NOTE Polymer modified emulsions can behave differently in the test than unmodified emulsions; in case of doubt, the method is checked against EN 1428. In case of dispute, the water content should be determined according to EN 1428. WARNING - The use of this European Standard can involve hazardous materials, operations and equipment. This European Standard does not purport to address all of the safety problems associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this European Standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. For environmental reasons and to reduce emissions to air, water and soil, it is recommended to limit the use of products, solvents and energy to the minimum required for a valid test result.
This European Standard specifies a quick method for determining, by evaporation, the water content of bituminous road emulsions, with or without polymer added. For bituminous emulsions without flux oil, bituminous emulsions containing vegetal flux oil, and bituminous emulsions containing up to 1,5 % mass of mineral flux oil in the emulsion, this European Standard, according to the selected operating conditions, is considered as an alternative method to the reference method EN 1428 [1]. Above a mineral flux oil content of 1,5 % by mass, depending on the volatility of the flux oil: - the present method can be used up to a flux oil content above 1,5 % by mass if the user can prove its reliability in comparison to EN 1428. - the present method can only be used by correcting the result by means of a previously established correlation with the reference method EN 1428. NOTE Polymer modified emulsions can behave differently in the test than unmodified emulsions; in case of doubt, the method is checked against EN 1428. In case of dispute, the water content should be determined according to EN 1428. WARNING - The use of this European Standard can involve hazardous materials, operations and equipment. This European Standard does not purport to address all of the safety problems associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this European Standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. For environmental reasons and to reduce emissions to air, water and soil, it is recommended to limit the use of products, solvents and energy to the minimum required for a valid test result.
SIST EN 16849:2017 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.
SIST EN 16849:2017 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to SIST EN 58:2012, SIST EN 12594:2025, SIST EN ISO 20815:2010, SIST EN 13074-1:2019, SIST EN 12847:2022, SIST EN 13614:2021, SIST EN 16346:2024. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
SIST EN 16849:2017 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)
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.Bitumen und bitumenhaltige Bindemittel - Bestimmung des Wassergehaltes von Bitumenemulsionen - Verfahren mittels TrocknungswaageBitumes et liants bitumineux - Détermination de la teneur en eau des émulsions de bitume - Méthode par évaporation à la balance dessiccatriceBitumen and bituminous binders - Determination of water content in bituminous emulsions - Method using a drying balance91.100.50Veziva. Tesnilni materialiBinders. Sealing materials75.140Voski, bitumni in drugi naftni proizvodiWaxes, bituminous materials and other petroleum productsICS:Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z:EN 16849:2016SIST EN 16849:2017en,fr,de01-januar-2017SIST EN 16849:2017SLOVENSKI
STANDARD
EUROPEAN STANDARD NORME EUROPÉENNE EUROPÄISCHE NORM
EN 16849
October
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{ sä s r rä w r English Version
Bitumen and bituminous binders æ Determination of water content in bituminous emulsions æ Method using a drying balance Bitumes et liants bitumineux æ Détermination de la teneur en eau des émulsions de bitume æ Méthode par évaporation à la balance dessiccatrice
Bitumen und bitumenhaltige Bindemittel æ Bestimmung des Wassergehaltes von Bitumenemulsionen æ Verfahren mittels Trocknungswaage This European Standard was approved by CEN on
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egulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard the status of a national standard without any alterationä Upætoædate lists and bibliographical references concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CENæCENELEC Management Centre or to any CEN memberä
translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CENæCENELEC Management Centre has the same status as the official versionsä
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austriaá Belgiumá Bulgariaá Croatiaá Cyprusá Czech Republicá Denmarká Estoniaá Finlandá Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedoniaá Franceá Germanyá Greeceá Hungaryá Icelandá Irelandá Italyá Latviaá Lithuaniaá Luxembourgá Maltaá Netherlandsá Norwayá Polandá Portugalá Romaniaá Slovakiaá Sloveniaá Spainá Swedená Switzerlandá Turkey and United Kingdomä
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t r s x CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CEN national Membersä Refä Noä EN
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