ASTM PS131-01

1.1 This provisional test method covers the determination of maximum specific gravity of loose bituminous mixtures, as defined in Terminology E 1547, by the vacuum sealing method.

1.2 This method can be used with 100 and 150 mm diameter compacted bituminous laboratory and field specimens.

1.3 The bulk specific gravity of the compacted bituminous mixtures may be used in calculating the unit weight of the mixture.

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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory requirements prior to use.

Note 1 – Provisional standards require only subcommittee consensus and are published for a limited time of two years. The provisional process was used because of the immediate need for this method to be used in testing pavement mixtures with open graded design, mixtures that readily absorb water and mixtures that allow water to rapidly penetrate and drain out.