Intertek launches new bitumen inspection and testing services

Intertek has launched a new service for the inspection and testing of bitumen in the UK.

Asphalt is used in the construction of approximately 95 percent of the UK’s roads, in addition to playgrounds, footways, parking areas and airport runways. The material’s durability comes from aggregates which bitumen, an oil-based binding agent derived from crude oil.

The UK Government has announced plans for the biggest investment in road infrastructure since the 1970s. Intertek’s new bitumen facility will allow the company to provide the services to fully support the initiative.

Bitumen testing

The new Intertek bitumen testing capability is led from the company’s laboratory in West Thurrock, which has seen significant investment in equipment to cover the testing of bitumen to BS EN 58, BS EN 13924-2, BS EN 12591 and BS EN 13808 specifications.

The covers the full testing requirements for standard bitumen, which is mainly used for road construction, waterproofing roofs and pipelines. 

Around the clock inspections

The bitumen testing capability at West Thurrock is complemented by bitumen inspection capabilities on site, in addition to other strategic locations within the UK. The development allows Intertek to offer around the clock inspection and testing services to the bitumen market.

Lee Burton, Intertek’s West Thurrock laboratory manager, commented: “It is vital for customers to know that the bitumen they have bought does not deteriorate while stored in tanks or loaded into trucks, so we provide daily checks to ensure the conditions in the tank remain stable and that the specification of the product remains unchanged.”

David Breach, Cargo & Analytical Assessment Business Line Leader UK said: “By working closely with our clients, we can respond quickly to meet an industry need such as this by training up expert bitumen teams to support the industry right across the UK.”