The British Standards Institution (BSI) has just published PD 6692 asphalt - Guidance on the use of BS EN 12697 bituminous mixtures. Test methods for hot mix asphalt. PD 6692 provides guidance on the use and application of the BS EN 12697 series of European Standards which specify test methods for asphalt.

Most of the test methods for asphalt are based on national test methods from European countries, including UK test methods specified in British Standards.

PD 6692 gives a description of each of these European test methods, along with guidance on their relevance and familiarity to UK users, and covers the following areas:.

- An overview of European Standards defining test methods for asphalts.

- Test methods required for testing the constituent materials.

- Test methods called up in several standard specifications for asphalt.

- Test methods called up in specific standard specifications for asphalt.

- Test methods and procedures not called up in the asphalt standards.

PD 6692 is primarily aimed at potential UK users of the test methods but it will also be of interest to all in the UK associated with the manufacture and use of asphalt throughout Europe.