Bituminous road surfacing materials are produced by mixing mineral aggregate with a bitumen binder in predetermined quantities and within defined temperature ranges. Other materials are sometimes added to the mixture, including fibres, polymers and pigments to produce specific performance characteristics.
At ACS Testing we are UKAS accredited to carry out a wide range of testing covering British (BS) and European (EN) standards. Our bituminous materials testing can be performed both on site and in the laboratory. ACS Testing provide highly skilled technicians who all hold current CSCS cards. They are comprehensively health and safety trained in accordance with appropriate method statements and risk assessments.
Bituminous Test Types
Our Bituminous Testing Laboratory covers a comprehensive range of testing, included but not limited to:
| Test | Method | What it shows |
| Binder Content | BS EN 12697-1 | Breaking down the constituents of blacktop to determine the mineral grading, filler content and quantity of binder. |
| Particle Size Distribution | BS EN 12697-2 | |
| Maximum Density | BS EN 12697-5 | The maximum density of a mix used to define the 100% when comparing to in-situ density or bulk density of cores |
| Bulk Density | BS EN 12697-6 | Measuring the layer density of a core sample |
| Air Voids Content | BS EN 12697-8 | Calculating the difference between bulk density / maximum density to provide air voids. |
| Percentage Refusal Density (PRD) | BS EN 12697-9 | Measuring density of core layer, heating, compacting and re-measuring density. |
Please see below for a list of the services provided by ACS:
Geo-Environmental Consultancy
The ACS Geo-Environmental Consultancy Department has been operating as part of ACS for over 10 years.
On-Site Testing Services
ACS offers a comprehensive range of professional on-site testing, all carried out by our fully trained site technicians.
Aggregates and Soils Testing
From our main laboratory in Poole, Dorset, ACS provide quality testing and material consultancy for the construction and civil engineering industry.
Bituminous Testing
ACS carries out testing on new bituminous binder material and testing on hardened material for physical and chemical properties. Circa pre 1980’s Tar (Carcinogenic effects) was also used as a binder, ACS staff can sample and test materials to assess if Tar was used.
Concrete Testing
Concrete was the first service to be offered by ACS back in 1987. Since then, we have increased our scope to cover a wide range of UKAS Accredited testing methods on fresh and hardened concrete.
Mortar and Screed Testing
ACS can sample and test new and hardened mortar. Hardened mortar for mix proportions and constituents, new mortar for compressive and flexural strength.
Contamination and WAC Testing
At ACS we offer an efficient and reliable chemical analysis service for waste soils and construction materials using various test solids and leaching procedures specified by the Environment Agency.
Chemical Testing
The ACS chemical laboratory was established in 2007. It complements the physical materials testing service provided by ACS by offering a range of chemical analytical services.
Leachate and Water Analysis
Our purpose-built analytical laboratory enables ACS to provide a comprehensive sampling, monitoring and analysis service on a wide range of leachate and water samples.
Natural Stone Testing
Our newly refurbished stone testing laboratory has given us the opportunity to expand our testing scope. In addition, we have increased production and improved on our turnaround of samples.
Site Laboratory Services
Over the last 35 years, ACS have supplied custom fitted site laboratories with technicians to many construction sites and projects worldwide.
Persistent Organic Pollutants
Our experienced lab technicians can provide detailed and accurate analysis of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) in almost any sample matrix in line with the Stockholm Convention.
Energy From Waste
Experts in Energy from Waste residues, ACS offers a full range of services, including gasification, pyrolysis, syngas and tar sampling, and analysis and interpretation of analytical results for IBA and APCr.
RoHS Compliance Testing
At ACS, we undertake rigorous RoHS compliance testing to identify and quantify any contaminants in your shredded waste, ensuring your product meets strict RoHS requirements.
Energy Supply, Generation & Regulation
Our highly skilled team provide industry-leading waste fuel testing services for RDF, SRF, MSW, and Solid Biomass, helping you save costs and meet compliance standards for total peace of mind.
CONTACT ONE OF THE TEAM
If you require a collection that is outside of our usual range, please feel free to call us on 01202 622858.
Or contact us and we will do our best to accommodate your requirements.