ASTM D4469-17

Standard Practice for Calculating Percent Asphalt Absorption by the Aggregate in Asphalt Mixtures

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 The amount of asphalt absorbed by the aggregate contributes little or nothing to the durability of an asphalt pavement in service other than possibly providing greater resistance to stripping in the presence of water.  
5.2 Percent asphalt absorption can be an indicator of changes that may occur in plant mix production during construction.  
5.3 The calculated percent asphalt absorption can be used for calculating percent air voids during asphalt mixture design.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice covers equations for calculating percent asphalt absorption by the aggregate in an asphalt mixture, expressed as percent of the oven-dry mass of the aggregate in the asphalt mixture. This calculation is based on measured values for components and properties of an oven-dry asphalt mixture.  
1.2 This practice 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.  
1.3 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: 31-Mar-2017
• ICS: 93.080.20 - Road construction materials
• Technical Committee: D04 - Road and Paving Materials
• Drafting Committee: D04.51 - Aggregate Tests

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D4469-11 - Standard Practice for Calculating Percent Asphalt Absorption by the Aggregate in an Asphalt Pavement Mixture
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2017
• Refers: ASTM D8-19 - Standard Terminology Relating to Materials for Roads and Pavements
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2019
• Refers: ASTM D6307-19 - Standard Test Method for Asphalt Content of Asphalt Mixture by Ignition Method
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2019
• Refers: ASTM D8-18c - Standard Terminology Relating to Materials for Roads and Pavements
• Effective Date: 15-Dec-2018
• Refers: ASTM D8-18b - Standard Terminology Relating to Materials for Roads and Pavements
• Effective Date: 15-Aug-2018
• Refers: ASTM D8-18a - Standard Terminology Relating to Materials for Roads and Pavements
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2018
• Refers: ASTM D8-18 - Standard Terminology Relating to Materials for Roads and Pavements
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2018
• Refers: ASTM D8-17c - Standard Terminology Relating to Materials for Roads and Pavements
• Effective Date: 15-Jul-2017
• Refers: ASTM D8-17b - Standard Terminology Relating to Materials for Roads and Pavements
• Effective Date: 15-Jun-2017
• Refers: ASTM D8-17a - Standard Terminology Relating to Materials for Roads and Pavements
• Effective Date: 01-May-2017
• Refers: ASTM D8-17 - Standard Terminology Relating to Materials for Roads and Pavements
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2017
• Refers: ASTM D8-16b - Standard Terminology Relating to Materials for Roads and Pavements
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2016
• Refers: ASTM D8-16a - Standard Terminology Relating to Materials for Roads and Pavements
• Effective Date: 15-Sep-2016
• Refers: ASTM D8-16 - Standard Terminology Relating to Materials for Roads and Pavements
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2016
• Refers: ASTM D6307-16 - Standard Test Method for Asphalt Content of Asphalt Mixture by Ignition Method
• Effective Date: 01-May-2016

Overview

ASTM D4469-17 is the standard practice for calculating percent asphalt absorption by the aggregate in asphalt mixtures. Developed by ASTM International, this standard provides recognized equations and recommended test methods for determining how much asphalt is absorbed by aggregate, expressed as a percentage of the oven-dry mass of the aggregate. The standard is widely used in asphalt mixture design and quality control for road construction and paving applications.

Asphalt absorption calculations are crucial for several reasons. While the absorbed asphalt does not substantially impact the durability of the finished pavement, it can enhance resistance to stripping in moist conditions and act as an important indicator of changes that may occur during plant mix production. Additionally, understanding percent asphalt absorption is essential for accurate calculation of air voids, a key factor in asphalt mixture design and performance.

Key Topics

• Equations for Percent Asphalt Absorption: Provides formulas based on measured values of mixture components, including aggregate mass, specific gravities, and asphalt content.
• Test Methods: References several ASTM test methods, including:
  • C127 & C128: Specific gravity and absorption for coarse and fine aggregates
  • D2041 & D6857: Theoretical maximum specific gravity and density of bituminous paving mixtures
  • D2172, D4125, & D6307: Determination of asphalt content by various methods
  • C136 & D5444: Sieve analysis for aggregate grading
• Data Reporting: Requires detailed reporting of absorption values and all measured variables, such as maximum specific gravity, asphalt content, and weighted average specific gravity of the aggregate.
• Measurement Precision: Outlines the significant impact of accuracy and reproducibility of test results on the reliability of calculated absorption.

Applications

ASTM D4469-17 applies to a variety of scenarios in asphalt pavement engineering:

• Mixture Design: Used extensively during the design phase to calculate the percent air voids in asphalt mixtures, ensuring the mixture meets desired performance criteria.
• Quality Control in Construction: Serves as a quality control check during production at asphalt plants. Fluctuations in percent asphalt absorption can signal process changes or material inconsistencies.
• Forensic Analysis: Determining the absorption characteristics can aid in analyzing pavement performance issues, such as stripping or premature failure.
• Durability Assessment: While the amount of absorbed asphalt generally has limited effect on durability, it does indicate potential for improved resistance to stripping, particularly in wet conditions.

Related Standards

The following ASTM standards are commonly referenced alongside ASTM D4469-17 for comprehensive evaluation and testing of asphalt mixtures:

• ASTM C127 / C128: Specific gravity and absorption of aggregates
• ASTM C136 / D5444: Sieve analysis of aggregate grading
• ASTM D2041 / D6857: Determination of maximum specific gravity and density of mixes
• ASTM D2172, D4125, D6307: Asphalt content determination using extraction, nuclear, or ignition methods
• ASTM D8: Terminology related to road and paving materials
• ASTM D1561: Preparation of bituminous mixture specimens

Practical Value

By following ASTM D4469-17, engineers and quality control personnel can:

• Standardize Testing Procedures: Ensure consistency in asphalt absorption calculations across different labs and construction projects.
• Improve Mix Design Accuracy: Provide essential input data for mixture design, particularly in calculating air voids.
• Monitor Production Consistency: Detect changes in aggregate or process that could affect pavement quality.
• Enhance Pavement Performance: Use absorption data as part of a broader assessment to optimize durability and moisture resistance.

Implementing ASTM D4469-17 in practice leads to better-quality asphalt pavements and more reliable long-term performance, making it a key standard in the field of road and highway material testing.

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: D4469 − 17
Standard Practice for
Calculating Percent Asphalt Absorption by the Aggregate in
Asphalt Mixtures
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D4469; 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.A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope Gravity and Density of Bituminous Paving Mixtures
D2172Test Methods for Quantitative Extraction of Bitumen
1.1 This practice covers equations for calculating percent
From Bituminous Paving Mixtures
asphalt absorption by the aggregate in an asphalt mixture,
D3289Test Method for Density of Semi-Solid and Solid
expressed as percent of the oven-dry mass of the aggregate in
Asphalt Materials (Nickel Crucible Method)
the asphalt mixture. This calculation is based on measured
D4125Test Methods for Asphalt Content of Bituminous
values for components and properties of an oven-dry asphalt
Mixtures by the Nuclear Method
mixture.
D5444Test Method for Mechanical Size Analysis of Ex-
1.2 This practice does not purport to address all of the
tracted Aggregate
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
D6307Test Method forAsphalt Content ofAsphalt Mixture
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
by Ignition Method
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
D6857Test Method for Maximum Specific Gravity and
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
Density of Bituminous Paving Mixtures UsingAutomatic
1.3 This international standard was developed in accor-
Vacuum Sealing Method
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
3. Terminology
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
3.1 For definitions of terms used in this standard, refer to
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Terminology D8.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
4. Summary of Test Method
2. Referenced Documents
4.1 The percent asphalt absorption for an oven-dry asphalt
2.1 ASTM Standards:
mixture(expressedaspercentoftheoven-drymassofthetotal
C127Test Method for Relative Density (Specific Gravity)
aggregate in the mixture) can be calculated by means of
and Absorption of Coarse Aggregate
equations in which measured values for the theoretical maxi-
C128Test Method for Relative Density (Specific Gravity)
mum specific gravity of an oven-dry asphalt mixture, its
and Absorption of Fine Aggregate
asphaltcontent(expressedeitheraspercentofthetotalmassof
C136Test Method for Sieve Analysis of Fine and Coarse
asampleofoven-dryasphaltmixture,oraspercentofthemass
Aggregates
of oven-dry aggregate in a sample of oven-dry asphalt
D8Terminology Relating to Materials for Roads and Pave-
mixture), the apparent specific gravity of the asphalt, and the
ments
weighted average bulk specific gravity of the oven-dry total
D1561Practice for Preparation of Bituminous Mixture Test
aggregate in the asphalt mixture (Note 1).
Specimens by Means of California Kneading Compactor
D2041Test Method for Theoretical Maximum Specific
NOTE 1—Whenever it is referred to in this practice, the phrase,
“weighted average bulk specific gravity of the aggregate,” refers to the
weighted average of the oven-dry bulk specific gravities of the coarse and
fine aggregates as determined by Test Methods C127 and C128. The fine
This practice is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee D04 on Road and
aggregateordinarilyincludesthemineraldustportionofthefineaggregate
Paving Materials and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D04.51 on
that passes the No. 200 sieve. The weighted average oven-dry bulk
Aggregate Tests.
specific gravity of the total aggregate is to be calculated by means of the
Current edition approved April 1, 2017. Published April 2017. Originally
equation given in the calculation section of Test Method C127.
approved in 1985. Last previous edition approved in 2011 as D4469–11. DOI:
10.1520/D4469-17.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or 5. Significance and Use
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
5.1 The amount of asphalt absorbed by the aggregate
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. contributes little or nothing to the durability of an asphalt
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D4469 − 17
pavement in service other than possibly providing greater
G = weighted average oven-dry bulk specific gravity of
ag
resistance to stripping in the presence of water.
the total aggregate in the mixture sample, and
G = theoreticalmaximumspecificgravityofthesampleof
tm
5.2 Percent asphalt absorption can be an indicator of
the oven-dry mixture sample.
changes that may occur in plant mix production during
construction. 7.2 Asphalt Mixtures for Which Asphalt Content is Ex-
pressed as Percent of the Mass of the Oven-Dry Total Aggre-
5.3 The calculated percent asphalt absorption can be used
gate in a Sample of Oven-Dry Asphalt Mixture:
forcalculatingpercentairvoidsduringasphaltmixturedesign.
7.2.1 When the values for the various items in 6.1 become
available, calculate the asphalt absorption as percent of the
6. Procedure
oven-dry mass of the aggregate in the sample of oven-dry
6.1 For samples of oven-dried asphalt mixes, establish
asphalt mixture by substituting the relevant values in the
percentasphaltabsorptionbytheaggregateinaccordancewith
following equation:
the following test methods:
P G ~1001P !~G !
aac ac aac ac
6.1.1 Test Method D2041 or D6857, theoretical maximum
Aac 5100 1 2 (2)
F G
100 G 100G
ag tm
specific gravity of the sample of oven-dry asphalt mixture.
6.1.2 Test Method D2172, D4125,or D6307, asphalt con-
where:
tent. For samples of asphalt mixture obtained for quality
P = asphaltcontentaspercentofthemassoftheoven-dry
aac
control during construction, or taken from a pavement, deter-
total aggregate in a sample of oven-dry asphalt
mine the asphalt content of each sample by Test Method
mixture.
D2172, D4125,or D6307. For samples of asphalt mixtures
Theothersymbolshavethesignificancedesignatedforthem
preparedinthelaboratorywithoven-driedaggregateaccording
in 7.1.1.
to Practice D1561, use the asphalt content that was added
NOTE 2—The calculated percent asphalt absorption increases with an
during the preparation of the asphalt mixture.
increase in theoretical maximum specific gravity of an asphalt mixture,
6.1.3 Test Method D3289, the apparent specific gravity of
increases with an increase in its asphalt content, decreases with an
the asphalt in the asphalt mixture.
increaseintheapparentspecificgravityoftheasphalt,anddecreaseswith
6.1.4 TestMethodsC127andC128,therespectiveoven-dry
an increase in the total aggregate’s weighted average oven-dry bulk
bulk specific gravities of the coarse and fine aggregates in the specific gravity.
asphalt mixture.
8. Report
6.1.5 Test Method C136 or D5444, to establish the percent-
8.1 Report asphalt absorption as percent of the oven-dry
ages of coarse and fine aggregates employed for or recovered
mass of the total aggregate in the sample of oven-dry asphalt
from the mixture sample, and thereby enable the weighted
mixture to the nearest 0.1%. The precision of the reported
averageoven-drybulkspecificgravityforthetotalaggregatein
valueforpercentasphaltabsorptiondependsontheaccuracyof
the mixture sample to be calculated (using the equation given
the value measured for each of the four variables that are
in the calculation section of Test Method C127).
includedineitherEq1orEq2.Errorsinthesemeasuredvalues
can have a major influence on the value for percent asphalt
7. Calculation
absorption. The influence of these errors on the calculated
7.1 Asphalt Mixtures for Which Asphalt Content is Ex-
valueforpercentasphaltabsorptionisillustratedbythedatain
pressed as Percent by Mass of the Total Mix in a Sample of
X1.2.1 in Appendix X1.
Oven-Dry Asphalt Mixture:
8.2 Report the value for each of the four variables that are
7.1.1 When the values for the various items in 6.1 become
included either in Eq 1 or Eq 2 as follows:
available, calculate the asphalt absorption as percent of the
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: D4469 − 11 D4469 − 17
Standard Practice for
Calculating Percent Asphalt Absorption by the Aggregate in
an Asphalt Pavement MixtureMixtures
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D4469; 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 practice covers equations for calculating percent asphalt absorption by the aggregate in an asphalt paving mixture,
expressed as percent of the oven-dry mass of the aggregate in the pavingasphalt mixture. This calculation is based on measured
values for components and properties of an oven-dry asphalt paving mixture.
1.2 This practice 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.
1.3 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:
C127 Test Method for Relative Density (Specific Gravity) and Absorption of Coarse Aggregate
C128 Test Method for Relative Density (Specific Gravity) and Absorption of Fine Aggregate
C136 Test Method for Sieve Analysis of Fine and Coarse Aggregates
D8 Terminology Relating to Materials for Roads and Pavements
D1560D1561 Test Methods for Resistance to Deformation and Cohesion of Asphalt Mixtures Practice for Preparation of
Bituminous Mixture Test Specimens by Means of Hveem ApparatusCalifornia Kneading Compactor
D2041 Test Method for Theoretical Maximum Specific Gravity and Density of Bituminous Paving Mixtures
D2172 Test Methods for Quantitative Extraction of Bitumen From Bituminous Paving Mixtures
D3289 Test Method for Density of Semi-Solid and Solid Asphalt Materials (Nickel Crucible Method)
D4125 Test Methods for Asphalt Content of Bituminous Mixtures by the Nuclear Method
D5444 Test Method for Mechanical Size Analysis of Extracted Aggregate
D6307 Test Method for Asphalt Content of Asphalt Mixture by Ignition Method
D6857 Test Method for Maximum Specific Gravity and Density of Bituminous Paving Mixtures Using Automatic Vacuum
Sealing Method
3. Terminology
3.1 For definitions of terms used in this standard, refer to Terminology D8.
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 The percent asphalt absorption for an oven-dry pavingasphalt mixture (expressed as percent of the oven-dry mass of the total
aggregate in the paving mixture) can be calculated by means of equations in which measured values for the theoretical maximum
specific gravity of an oven-dry pavingasphalt mixture, its asphalt content (expressed either as percent of the total mass of a sample
of oven-dry pavingasphalt mixture, or as percent of the mass of oven-dry aggregate in a sample of oven-dry pavingasphalt
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D04 on Road and Paving Materials and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D04.51 on Aggregate
Tests.
Current edition approved Dec. 1, 2011April 1, 2017. Published December 2011April 2017. Originally approved in 1985. Last previous edition approved in 20062011 as
D4469 – 01D4469 – 11.(2006). DOI: 10.1520/D4469-11.10.1520/D4469-17.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. 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
D4469 − 17
mixture), the apparent specific gravity of the asphalt, and the weighted average ASTM bulk specific gravity of the oven-dry total
aggregate in the pavingasphalt mixture (Note 1).
NOTE 1—Whenever it is referred to in this practice, the phrase, “weighted average ASTM oven-dry bulk specific gravity of the aggregate,” refers to
the weighted average of the ASTM oven-dry bulk specific gravities of the coarse and fine aggregates as determined by Test Methods C127 and C128.
The fine aggregate ordinarily includes the mineral dust portion of the fine aggregate that passes the No. 200 sieve. The weighted average ASTM oven-dry
bulk specific gravity of the total aggregate is to be calculated by means of the equation given in the calculation section of Test Method C127.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 The amount of asphalt absorbed by the aggregate contributes little or nothing to the durability of an asphalt pavement in
service other than possibly providing greater resistance to stripping in the presence of water.
5.2 Percent asphalt absorption can be an indicator of changes that may occur in plant mix production during construction.
5.3 The calculated percent asphalt absorption can be used for calculating percent air voids during pavingasphalt mixture design.
6. Procedure
5.1 Determine percent asphalt absorption by the aggregate in a paving mixture for a sample of oven-dried paving mixture that
is prepared in a laboratory, taken from a pavement, or obtained for quality control during construction.
6.1 Establish For samples of oven-dried asphalt mixes, establish percent asphalt absorption by the aggregate in a sample of
oven-dried paving mixture from values for the sample that have been obtained in accordance with the following ASTM test
methods:
6.1.1 Test Method D2041 or D6857, theoretical maximum specific gravity of the sample of oven-dry pavingasphalt mixture.
6.1.2 Test Method D2172, D4125, or D6307, asphalt content. For samples of pavingasphalt mixture obtained for quality control
during construction, or taken from a pavement, determine the asphalt content of each sample by Test MethodsMethod D2172,
D4125, or D6307. For samples of hot-mixed asphalt paving mixture mixtures prepared in the laboratory with oven-dried aggregate
according to Test Method Practice D1560D1561, use the asphalt content that was added during the preparation of the pavingasphalt
mixture.
6.1.3 Test Method D3289, the apparent specific gravity of the asphalt in the sample of paving asphalt mixture.
6.1.4 Test Methods C127 and C128, the respective ASTM dry oven-dry bulk specific gravities of the coarse and fine aggregates
in the sample of paving asphalt mixture.
6.1.5 Test Method C136 or D5444, to establish the percentages of coarse and fine aggregates employed for or recovered from
the sample of paving mixture, mixture sample, and thereby enable the weighted average ASTM oven-dry bulk specific gravity for
the total aggregate in the sample of paving mixture mixture sample to be calculated (using the equation given in the calculation
section of Test Method C127).
7. Calculation
7.1 PavingAsphalt Mixtures for Which Asphalt Content is Expressed as Percent by Mass of the Total Mix in a Sample of
Oven-Dry PavingAsphalt Mixture:
7.1.1 When the values for the various items in 5.26.1 become available, calculate the asphalt absorption as percent of the
oven-dry mass of the total aggregate in the sample of oven-dry pavingasphalt mixture, by substituting the relevant values in the
following equation:
P G 100G
tac ac ac
Aac 5 100 1 2 (1)
F G
100 2 P G 100 2 P G
~ !
tac ag tac tm
where:
Aac = absorbed asphalt as percent by mass of the oven-dry aggregate.
P = asphalt content as percent by mass of the total mix in the sample of oven-dry paving mixture.
tac
G = apparent specific gravity of the asphalt in the paving mixture sample.
ac
G = weighted average ASTM oven-dry bulk specific gravity of the total aggregate in the sample of paving mixture.
ag
G = theoretical maximum specific gravity of the sample of oven-dry paving mixture.
tm
Aac = absorbed asphalt as percent by mass of the oven-dry aggregate,
P = asphalt content as percent by mass of the total mix in the sample of oven-dry asphalt mixture,
tac
G = apparent specific gravity of the asphalt in the mixture sample,
ac
G = weighted average oven-dry bulk specific gravity of the total aggregate in the mixture sample, and
ag
G = theoretical maximum specific gravity of the sample of the oven-dry mixture sample.
tm
7.2 PavingAsphalt Mixtures for Which Asphalt Content is Expressed as Percent of the Mass of the Oven-Dry Total Aggregate
in a Sample of Oven-Dry Paving Mixture.Asphalt Mixture:
D4469 − 17
7.2.1 When the values for the various items in 5.26.1 become available, calculate the asphalt absorption as percent of the
oven-dry mass of the aggregate in the sample of oven-dry pavingasphalt mixture by substituting the relevant values in the
following equation:
P G ~1001P !~G !
aac ac aac ac
Aac 5 100 1 2 (2)
F G
100 G 100 G
ag tm
where:
P = asphalt content as percent of the mass of
aac
the oven-dry total aggregate in a sample of
oven-dry paving mixture.
and = the other symbols have the significance
designated for them in 6.1.1.
P = asphalt content as percent of the mass of
aac
the oven-dry total aggregate in a sample of
oven-dry asphalt mixture.
The other symbols have the significance de
...