Asphalt coring and hot-mix asphalt testing

We take asphalt cores from new and existing pavements, measure layer thicknesses and test both cores and hot-mix asphalt samples in our laboratory. Many clients call us once paving is complete, so we core through the full bituminous structure and report each layer separately. As an independent third party, we report results impartially to contractors, public authorities and municipalities.

What we do

• Asphalt core drilling and thickness measurement of wearing, binder and bituminous base layers
• Bulk density of cores and Marshall specimens to TS EN 12697-6
• Preparation of Marshall specimens by impact compactor to TS EN 12697-30
• Binder content by reflux extraction to ASTM D2172
• Grading of the recovered aggregate to TS EN 12697-2
• Surface macrotexture depth by the volumetric patch technique to TS EN 13036-1

Standards

• ASTM D2172
• TS EN 12697-2
• TS EN 12697-6
• TS EN 12697-30
• TS EN 13036-1

Why it matters

Layer thickness and the degree of compaction, obtained by comparing core bulk density with the density of laboratory-compacted Marshall specimens, largely govern the durability and fatigue life of an asphalt pavement. Binder content and grading show whether the mix laid on site conforms to the approved job mix formula. Where a layer fails compaction, the area must be revisited and retested, so clear layer-by-layer reporting saves time for everyone involved.

What you receive

• Separate core reports for each layer (wearing, binder, bituminous base)
• Core locations identified by chainage or site reference, with measured thicknesses
• Photographs of the cores
• Comparison of measured thickness and degree of compaction with project values
• Test reports for binder content, grading, Marshall specimens and bulk density to the relevant standard
• Retesting of non-conforming areas after remedial works, on request

Ask us for a quote for asphalt coring or hot-mix asphalt testing; we attend site on weekdays and weekends to keep your paving on schedule.