Asphalt coring and hot-mix asphalt testing
Is each asphalt layer thick enough, properly compacted and laid to the approved mix? We core the full bituminous structure on site and test the cores and hot-mix samples in our laboratory.
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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 test
| Test | Standard | Where | What you get |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asphalt core drilling and thickness measurement | — | Field | Thickness of each layer (wearing, binder, base) |
| Bulk density of cores and Marshall specimens | TS EN 12697-6:2020 | Lab | Bulk density and degree of compaction |
| Preparation of Marshall specimens by impact compactor | TS EN 12697-30:2019 | Lab | Laboratory reference density for compaction |
| Binder content by reflux extraction | ASTM D2172/D2172M-26 | Lab | Binder content compared with the job mix formula |
| Grading of the recovered aggregate | TS EN 12697-2:2025 | Lab | Aggregate grading compared with the job mix formula |
| Surface macrotexture depth by the volumetric patch technique | TS EN 13036-1:2010 | Field | Macrotexture depth of the surface |
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
What we need from you
- Core locations by chainage or site reference, with a site plan or drawings
- Project values: design layer thicknesses, required degree of compaction and the approved job mix formula
- The layers to be reported (wearing, binder, bituminous base) and the tests required
- Safe access to the paved area, with traffic control where the road is open
- Loose hot-mix samples delivered to our laboratory, if the mix itself is to be tested
Frequently asked questions
How is the degree of compaction of an asphalt layer determined?
We measure the bulk density of the core to TS EN 12697-6:2020 and compare it with the density of Marshall specimens compacted in our laboratory to TS EN 12697-30:2019. The report compares the result with the project values.
Do you report each asphalt layer separately?
Yes. We core through the full bituminous structure and issue separate core reports for the wearing, binder and bituminous base layers, with the measured thicknesses and core locations.
How quickly will we receive the core results?
Asphalt core results are usually ready within 1–2 working days. We attend site on weekdays and weekends; field work hours are 08:00–18:00.
How can we check that a report is genuine?
Every report carries a QR code, a report number and a verification code. Anyone can check it on our Verify a Report page.
Guides for this service
- Asphalt Coring and Hot-Mix Testing
- Asphalt degree of compaction: why cores come out low
- Road construction quality control: tests for each layer
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.