Asphalt and paper and pulp standards projects urgently needing funders and committee members
New Zealand representatives needed to participate in the following modification by revision and amendment projects for asphalt and paper pulp joint Australian/ New Zealand standards.
To maintain joint AS/NZS status and input into the latest versions of these standards Standards New Zealand needs stakeholder funding and committee member representatives. We strongly encourage those in related industries to support the update of standards used in your work, so please get in touch by 30 October. Email joints@standards.govt.nz or to apply as a committee member you can complete an expression of interest form referencing ‘Asphalt’ or ‘Paper/Pulp’ joint standards.
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Asphalt standards
Which standards are being revised?
The CE-006 committee is proposing revisions to two standards: AS/NZS 2891.2.2 Methods of sampling and testing asphalt, Method 2.2: Sample preparation - Compaction of asphalt test specimens using a gyratory compactor and AS/NZS 2891.2.1 Methods of sampling and testing asphalt, Method 2.1: Sample preparation - Mixing, quartering and conditioning of asphalt in the laboratory. These updates are necessary for the standardization in the field of practical application of asphalt mixes and road surfacing. Users include industry laboratories, research labs, independent/auditing labs and road authorities.
AS/NZS 2891.2.2
AS/NZS 2891.2.2 details processes to be followed by an asphalt testing laboratory to prepare and compact laboratory test specimens using a gyratory compactor. The test specimens are then tested for performance related properties and/or to confirm the volumetric properties of the asphalt mix design either at mix design stage or during the manufacture of asphalt.
The standard was developed in the 1990s around Australian designed and supplied gyratory compactors that varied from US or European gyratory compactors. The gyratory compactors made in Australia are in the main over 25 years of age and becoming unreliable requiring parts and maintenance. The sole Australian manufacturer has advised that it will not be making any more gyratory compactors or supply parts or repair. Thus, the ongoing use of the Australian compactors is not sustainable and as a consequence the Australian asphalt industry has commenced moving to the use of overseas made gyratory compactors that comply with relevant US or EN standards.
Although the new units will comply with US or EN requirements a joint standard is required to detail settings on the compactor, size of specimens and importantly processes that detail the timing, sample preparation and compaction of test specimens. This issue extends trans-Tasman to New Zealand users likely using the same aging equipment.
Included in scope are methods of sampling and testing asphalt and guidelines for the design, manufacture and placing of asphalt, while standards and testing of bituminous materials and standards and testing of aggregates are excluded.
AS/NZS 2891.2.1
AS/NZS 2891.2.1 revision has been proposed following an Australian Austroads research project which identified improvements needed in the process to improve precision between laboratories using the test method.
Proposed improvements to the standard include the need for a uniform material thickness in the conditioning pans, the preheating of conditioning equipment and checking the temperature of samples during the conditioning process. The research also recommends that the appropriateness of the use of compaction moulds to condition asphalt samples currently allowed in the standard be considered in an update of AS/NZS 2891.2.1.
These are large projects and will be a revision of existing standards from 2014. The implementation of more robust gyratory compactors is intended to improve the performance of asphalt resulting in improved rides on roads and less intervention on the road network to repair or improve lesser performing asphalt. Both contribute to less interference with roadworks and less demand on budgets for maintenance.
Calling all people working with paper and pulp
AS/NZS 1301.001s:2002 Amd 1 Methods of test for pulp and paper, Method 001s: Basic density of pulpwood is undergoing a revised text amendment and is a small project needing committee representatives to discuss content and funders to secure participation.
It relates to the standardisation in the field of testing of nano-cellulose, pulp, paper and paperboard, and paper and paperboard products with users being those who need to measure the basic density of pulpwood.
Why does the existing standard need changes?
The accuracy of the method can be improved by the advice to remove bark and large knots from the wood sample. Bark is of lower basic density than pulpwood, while large knots are usually of higher basic density than the bulk of a pulpwood sample. While the standard already directs the removal of fines material and obviously oversized chips or slivers from the sample. These are components of a wood sample that are not typical of the bulk of a wood sample. In the same way, bark and large knots are also not typical, or representative, of the bulk of a wood sample.
It is proposed to include direction to ensure that the wood chip sample is thoroughly mixed. Screen through the laboratory screen. Discard the fine material passed through the screen together with any obviously oversized chips or slivers. With addition of four words so that the appropriate clause reads '… oversized chips, slivers, bark and large knots'
Included in scope are standards related to corrugated boxes but not those related to cartons.
Why NZ industry representation is crucial
If you or your organisation uses these standards, then you participation is crucial to ensure these remain joint standards that incorporate New Zealand needs and perspectives. Where we are unable to secure funding and participation these standards will progress as Australian only updated standards leaving New Zealand with an aged joint standard.
Both projects need funders and committee members – prospective committee members can get more information and apply via our Expression of interest form on our website:
Help make standards(external link)
Please contact Shaayal Sukul, Advisor Joint Standards via email for further information.