Standard Test Method for Relative Density of Solid Pitch and Asphalt (Displacement Method)

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This test method is useful in characterizing pitches and asphalts as one element in establishing uniformity of shipments and sources of supply.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of relative density by water displacement of hard pitches and asphalts with softening points above 70 °C.  
1.2 The relative density of hard pitch and asphalt shall be determined, whenever possible, on homogeneous natural fragments free of cracks. The use of cast cubes is not recommended due to the difficulty of avoiding incorporation of air bubbles.  
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

Status
Published
Publication Date
30-Nov-2019

Relations

Effective Date
01-Dec-2019
Effective Date
01-Mar-2024
Effective Date
01-Dec-2019
Effective Date
01-Dec-2018
Effective Date
01-Jul-2015
Effective Date
01-Apr-2015
Effective Date
15-Feb-2010
Effective Date
01-Oct-2009
Effective Date
01-Feb-2007
Effective Date
01-Nov-2004
Effective Date
01-Nov-2004
Effective Date
10-Jun-2001
Effective Date
10-Jun-2001
Effective Date
10-Dec-1999
Effective Date
10-Dec-1999

Overview

ASTM D71-94(2019), Standard Test Method for Relative Density of Solid Pitch and Asphalt (Displacement Method), is an internationally recognized standard issued by ASTM International. This method details a reliable process to determine the relative density, also known as specific gravity, of hard pitch and asphalt materials using water displacement, specifically for samples with softening points above 70 °C. The standard is critical for characterizing physical properties of pitches and asphalts, helping ensure uniformity and consistency in shipments and sources of supply. All measurements within this standard are expressed in SI units.

Key Topics

  • Relative Density Measurement: The test defines relative density as the ratio of the mass of a given material to the mass of an equal volume of water at the same temperature, calculated at 25 °C.
  • Sample Requirements: The method stresses the use of homogeneous, crack-free, natural fragments rather than cast cubes to avoid air bubbles, which can compromise accuracy.
  • Displacement Method: The sample is weighed first in air and then suspended in water at a precisely controlled temperature, and its relative density is calculated from these two measurements.
  • Test Apparatus: The standard specifies essential equipment, including an analytical balance, suitable wire or line for suspension, a water bath maintained at 25.0 °C, and a precise thermometer.
  • Sampling Procedures: It requires careful sampling of shipments following other ASTM practices (ASTM D140 and D4296) to ensure that the test fragments are representative and free from foreign substances.
  • Reporting and Precision: Results are reported to the third decimal place, with strict criteria for repeatability and reproducibility to ensure the reliability and accuracy of the measurements.

Applications

  • Quality Control in Manufacturing: Manufacturers of pitch and asphalt rely on this standard method to monitor and control the quality and consistency of their products across batches and shipments.
  • Source Verification: The method is used to verify the uniformity of materials from different sources, ensuring that supplied materials meet the specified density and thus perform as expected in their applications.
  • Material Characterization: Engineers and material scientists use this test to obtain baseline physical properties for hard pitches and asphalts, aiding in research, product development, and specification compliance.
  • Acceptance Testing: This standard supports routine acceptance and compliance testing for procurement contracts and regulatory requirements within the asphalt and pitch supply chain.

Related Standards

  • ASTM D61 - Test Method for Softening Point of Pitches (Cube-in-Water Method): Provides procedures related to measuring the softening point of pitch materials, often referenced in preparing specimens.
  • ASTM D140 - Practice for Sampling Asphalt Materials: Details sampling techniques for obtaining representative asphalt material samples for testing.
  • ASTM D4296 - Practice for Sampling Pitch: Outlines best practices for bulk sampling of pitch to ensure tests such as relative density are conducted on representative material.

Relevant Keywords: relative density, specific gravity, asphalt, pitch, displacement method, ASTM D71, water displacement, material characterization, quality control, uniformity of shipments, sampling procedures

By adhering to ASTM D71-94(2019), organizations help ensure consistent product quality, reliable material sourcing, and compliance with international trade and regulatory expectations in the asphalt and pitch industries.

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Frequently Asked Questions

ASTM D71-94(2019) is a standard published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Test Method for Relative Density of Solid Pitch and Asphalt (Displacement Method)". This standard covers: SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 5.1 This test method is useful in characterizing pitches and asphalts as one element in establishing uniformity of shipments and sources of supply. SCOPE 1.1 This test method covers the determination of relative density by water displacement of hard pitches and asphalts with softening points above 70 °C. 1.2 The relative density of hard pitch and asphalt shall be determined, whenever possible, on homogeneous natural fragments free of cracks. The use of cast cubes is not recommended due to the difficulty of avoiding incorporation of air bubbles. 1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard. 1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 5.1 This test method is useful in characterizing pitches and asphalts as one element in establishing uniformity of shipments and sources of supply. SCOPE 1.1 This test method covers the determination of relative density by water displacement of hard pitches and asphalts with softening points above 70 °C. 1.2 The relative density of hard pitch and asphalt shall be determined, whenever possible, on homogeneous natural fragments free of cracks. The use of cast cubes is not recommended due to the difficulty of avoiding incorporation of air bubbles. 1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard. 1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

ASTM D71-94(2019) is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 91.100.50 - Binders. Sealing materials; 93.080.20 - Road construction materials. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.

ASTM D71-94(2019) has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM D71-94(2015)e1, ASTM D4296-24, ASTM D61-15(2019), ASTM D4296-18, ASTM D61-15, ASTM D4296-83(2015)e1, ASTM D61-75(2010), ASTM D4296-83(2009), ASTM D140-01(2007), ASTM D4296-83(2004), ASTM D61-75(2004), ASTM D140-00, ASTM D140-01, ASTM D4296-83(1999), ASTM D61-75(1999). Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.

ASTM D71-94(2019) is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.

Standards Content (Sample)


This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: D71 − 94 (Reapproved 2019)
Standard Test Method for
Relative Density of Solid Pitch and Asphalt (Displacement
Method)
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D71; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of original
adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.Asuperscript
epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope 3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
1.1 This test method covers the determination of relative
3.1.1 relative density—the ratio of a given volume of
density by water displacement of hard pitches and asphalts
materialat25 °Ctothemassofanequalvolumeofwateratthe
with softening points above 70 °C.
same temperature (specific gravity).
1.2 The relative density of hard pitch and asphalt shall be
determined, whenever possible, on homogeneous natural frag- 4. Summary of Test Method
mentsfreeofcracks.Theuseofcastcubesisnotrecommended
4.1 The sample is suspended from a thin wire and weighed,
due to the difficulty of avoiding incorporation of air bubbles.
first in air, then submerged in water at 25.0 °C. The relative
density is calculated from these masses.
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
5. Significance and Use
standard.
5.1 This test method is useful in characterizing pitches and
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
asphaltsasoneelementinestablishinguniformityofshipments
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
and sources of supply.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
6. Apparatus
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
6.1 Pan Straddle, suitable for use with an analytical bal-
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
ance.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
6.2 Analytical Balance, equipped with a hook above the pan
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
and capable of weighing a 20 g specimen to 1 mg.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
6.3 Water Bath, maintained at 25.0 °C 6 0.2 °C and pro-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
vided with mechanical stirring/circulation.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
6.4 Thermometer, capable of measuring water temperature
of 25.0 °C 6 0.2 °C (or other suitable temperature measuring
2. Referenced Documents
instrument).
2.1 ASTM Standards:
6.5 Nichrome Wire, 0.127 mm diameter or monofilament
D61 Test Method for Softening Point of Pitches (Cube-in-
nylon fishing line of about the same diameter for attaching
Water Method)
specimen to the balance pan hook.
D140 Practice for Sampling Asphalt Materials
D4296 Practice for Sampling Pitch
7. Bulk Sampling
7.1 Samples from shipments shall be taken in accordance
with Practice D140 or Practice D4296, and shall be free of
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D02 on
foreign substances. Thoroughly mix the sample before remov-
Petroleum Products, Liquid Fuels, and Lubricants and is the direct responsibility of
ing a representative portion for the determination.
SubcommitteeD02.05onPropertiesofFuels,PetroleumCokeandCarbonMaterial.
Current edition approved Dec. 1, 2019. Published December 2019. Originally
8. Test Specimens
ɛ1
approved in 1920. Last previous edition approved in 2015 as D71 – 94 (2015) .
DOI: 10.1520/D0071-94R19.
8.1 Select two fragments of the bulk sample weighing
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
between 5 g and 20 g each. Inspect the fragments carefully to
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
ensure the use of specimens free of cracks and other surface
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. defects.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D71 − 94 (2019)
8.2 If the nature of the material is such that specimens c
...

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