Duhok Polytechnic University

Technical college of engineering

Highway and Bridge Engineering
Asphalt technology – Lab
Second stage 2019-2020

Asphalt technology
(Theoretical Maximum Specific Gravity and Density of
Bituminous Paving Mixtures )

Name of student: Hojin Zirak Sabri

Group: B
Lecture: Mr. Samir Hassan
Date : 2020-4-15
Introduction

The theoretical maximum specific gravities and densities of bituminous paving

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 . Maximum specific gravity is used in the calculation of air
voids in the compacted bituminous paving mixture, in calculating the amount of
bitumen absorbed by the aggregate, and to provide target values for the
compaction of paving mixtures.
Objective

This test method covers the determination of the theoretical maximum specific
gravity and density of uncompacted bituminous paving mixtures at 25°C (77°F).
The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given
in parentheses are for information only. 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 limitations prior to
use.
Equipment

1-Vacuum Bowls-Either a metal or plastic bowl with a diameter of approximately

180 to 260 mm (7 to 10.25 in).

2-Vacuum Flask with a capacity of approximately 4000 ml .

3-Balance capable of being read to the nearest 0.1 g .

4-Vacuum Pump or Water Aspirator .

5-Residual Pressure Manometer .

6-Thermometer .

7-Water Bath, capable of maintaining, by any means, a constant temperature of

25 ±1°C .

8-Mechanical Agitation Device .

9-Oven, capable of maintaining a temperature of 1106 5C .

Picture

1.
2. 3.

4. 5. 6.

7. 8. 9.
Procedure
Test samples may be representative of a mixture prepared in the laboratory or in a
HMA plant. The mixture should be loose and broken up so that the fine aggregate
is separated into particles smaller than 0.25 inches (6.25 mm) taking care not to
fracture aggregate (Figure 4).

Figure 4: Loose HMA sample.

1. Place a loose sample at room temperature into a vacuum container and record
the dry mass. If Weighing in Water is chosen in step 5, glass, plastic or metal
bowls (Figure 5) as well as thick-walled flasks or vacuum desiccators are used. If
Weighing in Air is chosen in step 5, flasks (Figure 6) or pycnometers are used.

2. Completely cover the sample by adding water at approximately 77°F (25°C) to

the container.

3. Remove entrapped air in the sample by applying a vacuum of 27.75 mm Hg (3.7

kPa) to the pycnometer or flask for 15 minutes. The container should be agitated
continuously by mechanical means (Video 1) or shaken vigorously by hand every
two minutes.

4. Slowly release the vacuum.

5. Weigh the sample in water or air:

Weighing in water. Suspend the container (which is filled with the sample and
water) in a water bath at 77°F (25°C) for 10 minutes and record the mass.Weighing
in air. Fill the container completely with water at 77°F (25°C). Determine the mass
of the completely filled container within 10 minutes of releasing the vacuum

Calculation
.1 Calculate the maximum specific gravity of the sample as follows:

When

A=1000g , B=2000g , C=2500g , D=3000g , E=1500g

1.1 Bowls Used Under Water Determination:

Gmm=A/A-(C-B)
where:

Gmm = maximum specific gravity of the mixture,

A = mass of dry sample in air, g,

B = mass of bowl under water, g,

C = mass of bowl and sample under water, g.

1000
Gmm= =2
1000−(2500−2000)

1.2 Bowl in Air Determination:

Gmm=A/A+D-E
where:

Gmm = maximum specific gravity of the mixture,

A = mass of dry sample in air, g,
D = mass of lid and bowl with water at 25°C (77°F), g,
E = mass of lid, bowl, sample, and water at 25°C (77°F), g.
 1000
Gmm = = 0.4
1000+3000−1500

Specifications
There is no specification for theoretical maximum specific gravity, but it is used to
calculate other specified parameters such as air voids (Va) in laboratory
compacted mixtures and in-place density in the field.

Discussion
This test method covers the determination of the theoretical maximum specific
gravity and density of uncompacted bituminous paving mixtures at 25°C (77°F).