ASTM D 2726 (1188 for coated specimen)

Standard Test Method for

Bulk specific gravity and density of non-absorptive compacted bituminous mixture

This test method should not be used with samples that contain open or interconnecting
voids or absorbs more than 2% of water by volume, or both.
The results obtain from this test method can be used in calculating the unit weight of the
mixture to obtain percent air voids.
These values may be used in determining the relative degree of compaction.
Since specific gravity has no units, it must be converted to density when required.
Conversion is made by multiplying the specific gravity at given temperature by the density of
water at the same temperature.

Test specimen:

It is recommended that the diameter of core must be equal to at least 4 times the maximum
size of the aggregate.
Thickness must be at least 1 to 1 and half to maximum size of the aggregate.
If desired, specimens may be separated from the other pavement layers by sawing or other
suitable means.

Procedure:

For cores that may contain moisture or solvent:

The sequence of testing for this condition is: in water, saturate-surface dry, dry.
Submerge specimen in water at 25 ± 1°C for 3 to 5 minutes and determine the mass as C.
After mass in water, surface dry the specimen by blotting with damp towel and determine
the mass as B.
Now thoroughly dry the specimen to a constant mass as 110 ± 5°C.
Allow specimen to cool and weigh in air as A.

For laboratory-prepared dry specimens:

Determine the mass of dry specimen in air. Designate this mass as A.

Then determine mass in water as C.
Determine mass of saturated-surface dry specimen as B.
 ASTM D 2726 (1188 for coated specimen)

Calculation:

Calculate bulk specific gravity as:

Bulk sp gr. = A / (B-C)

Calculate the density of the specimen as:

Density = Bulk sp gr. × 997.0

Where 997.0 = density of water in kg/mᶟ at 25 °C (0.9970 g/cmᶟ)

Calculate the percent water absorbed:

Percent water absorbed by volume = (B – A) / (B – C) × 100