ASTM D2041/D2041M-19

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Designation: D2041/D2041M − 11 D2041/D2041M − 19
Standard Test Method for
Theoretical Maximum Specific Gravity and Density of
Bituminous Paving Asphalt Mixtures
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D2041/D2041M; the number immediately following the designation indicates the
year of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last
reapproval. A superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the theoretical maximum specific gravity and density of uncompacted
bituminous paving asphalt mixtures at 25°C [77°F].25 °C [77 °F].
1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each
system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the
two systems may result in non-conformancenonconformance with the standard.
1.2.1 Residual pressure measurements are shown in both the SI unit of kPa and the commonly used non-standardnonstandard
equivalent unit of “mm of Hg”.Hg.”
1.2.2 Measurements of volume and mass are only given in SI units because they are the only units typically used in practice
when performing this test method.
1.3 The text of this standard references notes and footnotes which provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes
(excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be considered as requirements of the 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 safety, health, and healthenvironmental 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.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
C670 Practice for Preparing Precision and Bias Statements for Test Methods for Construction Materials
D8 Terminology Relating to Materials for Roads and Pavements
D979D979/D979M Practice for Sampling Bituminous Paving Mixtures
D3666 Specification for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Testing and Inspecting Road and Paving Materials
D4753 Guide for Evaluating, Selecting, and Specifying Balances and Standard Masses for Use in Soil, Rock, and Construction
Materials Testing
E1D8055 Specification for ASTM Liquid-in-Glass ThermometersGuide for Selecting an Appropriate Electronic Thermometer
for Replacing Mercury Thermometers in D04 Road and Paving Standards
E12 Terminology Relating to Density and Specific Gravity of Solids, Liquids, and Gases (Withdrawn 1996)
3. Terminology
3.1 The terms “specific gravity”Refer to Terminology D8 and “density” used in this test method are in accordance with
Terminology for definitions relating to materials for roads and pavements.E12.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D04 on Road and Paving Materials and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D04.21 on Specific
Gravity and Density of BituminousAsphalt Mixtures.
Current edition approved Jan. 1, 2011June 1, 2019. Published March 2011June 2019. Originally approved in 1964. Last previous edition approved in 20032011 as
D2041 – 03D2041/D2041M – 11.A. DOI: 10.1520/D2041_D2041M–11.10.1520/D2041_D2041M-19.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D2041/D2041M − 19
3.2.1 density, as determined by this test method—the mass of a cubic meter of the material at 25°C [77°F]25 °C [77 °F] in SI
units.
3.2.2 residual pressure, as employed by this test method—the pressure in a vacuum vessel when vacuum is applied.
3.2.3 specific gravity, as determined by this test method—the ratio of a given mass of material at 25°C [77°F]25 °C [77 °F] to
the mass of an equal volume of water at the same temperature.
3.2.4 standardize, as employed by this test method—determine the value realized by a measurement instrument in direct
comparison with the value realized by a standard under the same testing conditions.
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 A weighed sample of oven-dry pavingasphalt mixture in the loose condition is placed in a tared vacuum vessel. Sufficient
water at a temperature of 25°C [77°F]25 °C [77 °F] is added to completely submerge the sample. Vacuum is gradually applied to
reduce the residual pressure in the vacuum vessel to 4 kPa [30 mm of Hg] or less and then held for 15 6 2 min. At the end of
the vacuum period, the vacuum is gradually released. The volume of the sample of pavingasphalt mixture is obtained by immersing
the vacuum container with the sample in a water bath and weighing or by filling the vacuum container level full of water and
weighing in air. Both the temperature and mass are measured at this time. From these mass and volume measurements, the specific
gravity or density at 25°C25 °C [77 °F] is calculated.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 The theoretical maximum specific gravities and densities of bituminous paving asphalt mixtures are fundamental properties
whose values are influenced by the composition of the mixture in terms of types and amounts of aggregates and bituminous
materials.aggregates, asphalt binder, and other materials present in the mixtures.
5.1.1 Maximum specific gravity is used (1) in the calculation of air voids in the compacted bituminous paving asphalt mixture,
(2) in calculating the amount of bitumen asphalt binder absorbed by the aggregate, and (3 ) to provide target values for the
compaction of pavingasphalt mixtures.
NOTE 1—The quality of the results produced by this standard are dependent on the competence of the personnel performing the procedure and the
capability, calibration, and maintenance of the equipment used. Agencies that meet the criteria of Standard Practice Specification D3666 are generally
considered capable of competent and objective testing/sampling/inspection/etc. testing, sampling, inspection, etc. Users of this standard are cautioned that
compliance with PracticeSpecification D3666 alone does not completely assureensure reliable results. Reliable results depend on many factors; following
the suggestions of PracticeSpecification D3666 or some similar acceptable guideline provides a means of evaluating and controlling some of those
factorsfactors.
6. Apparatus
6.1 Containers:
6.1.1 Vacuum Bowls—Bowl—Either a metal or plastic bowl with a diameter of approximately 180 to 260 mm [7 to 10 in.] and
a bowl height of at least 160 mm [6 in.] shall be equipped with a transparent cover fitted with a rubber gasket and a connection
for the vacuum line. Both the bowl and cover should be sufficiently stiff to withstand the applied vacuum pressure without visibly
deforming. The hose connection shall be covered with a small piece of fine wire mesh to minimize the loss of any fine material.
NOTE 2—The transparent cover allows observation of the release of air bubbles.
6.1.2 Vacuum Flask for Weighing in Air Only, Only—aA thick-walled volumetric glass flask with a capacity of approximately
4000 mL, fitted with a rubber stopper with a connection for the vacuum line. The hose connection in the flask should be covered
with a small piece of fine wire mesh to minimize the loss of any fine materialmaterial.
6.2 Balance, capable of being read to the nearest 0.1 g and conforming to the requirements of SpecificationGuide D4753, Class
GP2. If underwater measurements will be taken, then the balance shall be equipped with a suitable suspension apparatus and holder
to permit weighing the sample while suspended from the center of the scale.
6.3 Vacuum Pump or Water Aspirator, capable of evacuating air from the vacuum container to a residual pressure of 4.0 kPa
[30 mm of Hg] or less.
6.3.1 When a vacuum pump is used, a suitable trap shall be installed between the vacuum vessel and vacuum source to reduce
the amount of water vapor entering the vacuum pump.
6.4 Residual Pressure Manometer or Calibrated Absolute Pressure Gage—This manometer or calibrated absolute pressure gage
shall be used to confirm the specified pressure is applied to the container, and shall be capable of measuring residual pressure to
4.0 kPa [30 mm of Hg] or less. It is to be connected at the end of the vacuum line using an appropriate tube and either a “T”
connector on the top of the container or by using a separate opening (from the vacuum line) in the top of the container to attach
the hose. To avoid damage, the manometer or gage itself is not to be situated on top of the vessel but adjacent to it.
NOTE 3—Residual pressure in the vacuum vessel in millimeters of mercury is the difference in the height of mercury.
6.5 Manometer or Vacuum Gage, suitable for measuring the vacuum being applied at the source of the vacuum. This device can
be connected directly to the vacuum source or be in the vacuum line close to the source.
D2041/D2041M − 19
NOTE 4—The vacuum leg of a residual pressure manometer occasionally acquires one or more air bubbles that introduce error into the residual pressure
reading. The additional vacuum gage or manometer provides a means to quickly detect differences between the two vacuum measurements.
6.6 Thermometers—Thermometer—Calibrated liquid-in-glass thermometersStandardized immersion thermometer of suitable
range with subdivisions and maximum scale error of 0.5°C [1°F], conforming to the requirements of Specification for this test
method, with a readability of 0.1 °C [0.2 °F] and maximum permissible error of 0.5 °C [1 °F]. E1 or any other thermometric device
of equal accuracy, precision, and sensitivity shall be used.
NOTE 5—Guidance for selecting an appropriate electronic thermometer can be found in Guide D8055.
6.7 Water Bath, capable of maintaining, by any means, a constant temperature of 25 6 1°C1 °C [77 6 2°F].2 °F]. The water
bath must be suitable for immersion of the suspended container with its deaerated sample.
6.8 Bleeder Valve, attached to the vacuum line to facilitate both the adjustment of the vacuum being applied to the vacuum
vessel and the slow release of vacuum pressure. The valve can be controlled manually or electronically.
6.9 Mechanical Agitation Device, capable of applying a gentle but consistent agitation of the sample. This device shall be
equipped with a means of firmly anchoring the container so that it does not move on the surface of the device.
NOTE 6—If stripping of asphalt is a problem, the device can be equipped with a speed control.
6.10 Oven, capable of maintaining a temperature of 110 6 5°C5 °C [230 6 10°F].10 °F]. This oven is needed when samples
other than laboratory prepared laboratory-prepared mixtures using oven-dry aggregate are tested.
7. Sampling
7.1 Obtain the sample in accordance with Practice D979D979/D979M.
7.2 The size of sample shall
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