ASTM D5444-23

Standard Test Method for Mechanical Size Analysis of Extracted Aggregate

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
3.1 This test method is used to determine the grading of aggregates extracted from asphalt mixtures. The results are used to determine compliance of the particle size distribution with applicable specifications requirements, and to provide necessary data for control of the production of various aggregates to be used in asphalt 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 Specification D3666 are generally considered capable of competent and objective testing, sampling, inspection, etc. Users of this standard are cautioned that compliance with Specification D3666 alone does not completely ensure reliable results. Reliable results depend on many factors; following the suggestions of Specification D3666 or some similar acceptable guideline provides a means of evaluating and controlling some of those factors.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers a procedure for determination of the particle size distribution of fine and coarse aggregates extracted from asphalt mixtures using sieves with square openings.  
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.3 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.4 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: 30-Apr-2023
• ICS: 19.120 - Particle size analysis. Sieving
• Technical Committee: D04 - Road and Paving Materials
• Drafting Committee: D04.51 - Aggregate Tests

Relations

• Refers: ASTM C670-24a - Standard Practice for Preparing Precision and Bias Statements for Test Methods for Construction Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024
• Refers: ASTM C670-24 - Standard Practice for Preparing Precision and Bias Statements for Test Methods for Construction Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2024
• Refers: ASTM D6307-19 - Standard Test Method for Asphalt Content of Asphalt Mixture by Ignition Method
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2019
• Refers: ASTM D2172/D2172M-17e1 - Standard Test Methods for Quantitative Extraction of Asphalt Binder from Asphalt Mixtures
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2017
• Refers: ASTM D2172/D2172M-17 - Standard Test Methods for Quantitative Extraction of Asphalt Binder from Asphalt Mixtures
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2017
• Refers: ASTM D3666-16 - Standard Specification for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Testing and Inspecting Road and Paving Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2016
• Refers: ASTM D6307-16 - Standard Test Method for Asphalt Content of Asphalt Mixture by Ignition Method
• Effective Date: 01-May-2016
• Refers: ASTM D3666-13 - Standard Specification for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Testing and Inspecting Road and Paving Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2013
• Refers: ASTM E11-13 - Standard Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test Sieves
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2013
• Refers: ASTM C670-13 - Standard Practice for Preparing Precision and Bias Statements for Test Methods for Construction Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2013
• Refers: ASTM D3666-11 - Standard Specification for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Testing and Inspecting Road and Paving Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2011
• Refers: ASTM D2172/D2172M-11 - Standard Test Methods for Quantitative Extraction of Bitumen From Bituminous Paving Mixtures
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2011
• Refers: ASTM D6307-10 - Standard Test Method for Asphalt Content of Hot-Mix Asphalt by Ignition Method
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2010
• Refers: ASTM C670-10 - Standard Practice for Preparing Precision and Bias Statements for Test Methods for Construction Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2010
• Refers: ASTM D6307-05(2010) - Standard Test Method for Asphalt Content of Hot-Mix Asphalt by Ignition Method
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2010

Overview

ASTM D5444-23 is the internationally recognized standard test method for the mechanical size analysis of extracted aggregate. Published by ASTM International, this standard outlines a precise procedure for determining the particle size distribution-also referred to as gradation-of both fine and coarse aggregates that are extracted from asphalt mixtures. Mechanical size analysis of aggregates is a critical process for ensuring quality control in road and paving material production, and for verifying compliance with relevant aggregate specification requirements.

This method uses sieving techniques with square openings to separate and analyze aggregate particles. The results support effective production control and help confirm that the aggregates used in asphalt mixtures meet required particle size specifications.

Key Topics

• Purpose and Scope: Establishes a uniform procedure for the determination of particle size distribution in aggregates obtained from asphalt mixtures, using standardized sieves.
• Apparatus Requirements: Specifies essential equipment, including accurate balances, standardized wire mesh sieves, a mechanical or manual sieve shaker, ovens, and suitable containers.
• Sample Handling: Details procedures for sample preparation, drying, washing, and sieving to ensure consistent and reliable results.
• Data Reporting: Outlines requirements for reporting the percentages of material passing and retained on each sieve.
• Precision and Reliability: Stresses the importance of competent personnel, properly calibrated equipment, and compliance with ASTM D3666 for reliable size analysis outcomes.
• Measurement Units: All results are to be recorded in SI units as per the standard.
• Safety and Environmental Considerations: Reminds users to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental protocols applicable to the test method.

Applications

The ASTM D5444-23 standard test method is widely used in various civil engineering and construction applications focused on asphalt mixtures and roadway material production. Practical uses include:

• Quality Control in Asphalt Production: Ensuring consistency and quality of aggregate gradation, which directly influences the performance and durability of asphalt pavements.
• Verification of Specification Compliance: Confirming that extracted aggregates meet the gradation limits specified in project or regulatory standards, which is essential for product certification and project acceptance.
• Process Control in Aggregate Processing Plants: Providing continuous feedback for adjusting production parameters to maintain target aggregate gradation.
• Material Research and Development: Serving as a reference method for research laboratories engaged in designing and evaluating new asphalt mixtures.
• Inspection and Testing Services: Used by testing agencies and laboratories to assess and certify aggregates used in public and private construction projects.

Related Standards

The following standards and test methods are closely related to the application and implementation of ASTM D5444-23:

• ASTM D2172 / D2172M: Test Methods for Quantitative Extraction of Asphalt Binder from Asphalt Mixtures.
• ASTM D6307: Test Method for Asphalt Content of Asphalt Mixture by Ignition Method.
• ASTM D3666: Specification for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Testing and Inspecting Road and Paving Materials.
• ASTM E11: Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test Sieves.
• AASHTO T 30: Mechanical Analysis of Extracted Aggregate.

These standards support the procedures, apparatus, and quality assurance processes required for accurate mechanical size analysis of aggregates.

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Keywords: ASTM D5444-23, mechanical size analysis, extracted aggregate, aggregate gradation, asphalt mixtures, particle size distribution, sieve analysis, quality control, road materials testing, aggregate specifications.

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: D5444 − 23
Standard Test Method for
Mechanical Size Analysis of Extracted Aggregate
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5444; 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 2.2 AASHTO Standard:
AASHTO Test Method T 30 Mechanical Analysis of Ex-
1.1 This test method covers a procedure for determination
tracted Aggregate
of the particle size distribution of fine and coarse aggregates
extracted from asphalt mixtures using sieves with square
3. Significance and Use
openings.
3.1 This test method is used to determine the grading of
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
aggregates extracted from asphalt mixtures. The results are
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
used to determine compliance of the particle size distribution
standard.
with applicable specifications requirements, and to provide
necessary data for control of the production of various aggre-
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
gates to be used in asphalt mixtures.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
NOTE 1—The quality of the results produced by this standard are
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
dependent on the competence of the personnel performing the procedure
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. and the capability, calibration, and maintenance of the equipment used.
Agencies that meet the criteria of Specification D3666 are generally
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
considered capable of competent and objective testing, sampling,
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
inspection, etc. Users of this standard are cautioned that compliance with
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Specification D3666 alone does not completely ensure reliable results.
Reliable results depend on many factors; following the suggestions of
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
Specification D3666 or some similar acceptable guideline provides a
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
means of evaluating and controlling some of those factors.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
4. Apparatus
2. Referenced Documents
4.1 Balances, or scales, readable to 0.1 g and accurate to
2.1 ASTM Standards:
0.1 g or 0.1 % of the test load, whichever is greater, at any
C670 Practice for Preparing Precision and Bias Statements
point within the range of use.
for Test Methods for Construction Materials
4.2 Sieves, with square openings, mounted on substantial
D2172/D2172M Test Methods for Quantitative Extraction of
frames constructed in a manner that will prevent the loss of
Asphalt Binder from Asphalt Mixtures
materials during sieving. Suitable sieve sizes shall be selected
D3666 Specification for Minimum Requirements for Agen-
to furnish the information required by the specifications
cies Testing and Inspecting Road and Paving Materials
covering the material to be tested. The woven wire cloth sieves
D6307 Test Method for Asphalt Content of Asphalt Mixture
shall conform to the requirements of Specification E11.
by Ignition Method
4.3 Mechanical Sieve Shaker—If used, it shall impart a
E11 Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test
vertical, or lateral and vertical, motion to the sieve, causing the
Sieves
particles thereon to bounce and turn so as to present different
orientations to the sieving surface. The sieving action shall be
such that the criterion for adequacy of sieving described in 6.8
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D04 on Road
is met in a reasonable time period.
and Paving Materials and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D04.51 on
Aggregate Tests.
4.4 Oven, of appropriate size, capable of maintaining a
Current edition approved May 1, 2023. Published May 2023. Originally
uniform temperature of 110 6 5 °C.
approved in 1993. Last previous edition approved in 2015 as D5444 – 15. DOI:
10.1520/D5444-23.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Available from American Association of State Highway and Transportation
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Officials (AASHTO), 444 N. Capitol St., NW, Suite 249, Washington, DC 20001,
the ASTM website. http://www.transportation.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D5444 − 23
suds may overflow the sieves and carry some material with them.
4.5 Container—A pan or vessel of a size sufficient to
contain the sample covered with water and to permit vigorous
6.3 The agitation shall be sufficiently vigorous to result in
agitation without loss of any of the sample or water.
complete separation from the coarse particles of all particles
finer than the 75 μm sieve and to bring them into suspension so
5. Sample
that they may be removed by decantation of the washwater.
5.1 The sample shall consist of the entire sample of aggre-
Take care to avoid decantation of the coarse particles of the
gate from Test Method D2172/D2172M or Test Method
sample as much as possible. Repeat the operation until any
D6307.
wetting agent used is removed and the washwater is clear.
5.1.1 Aggregate extracted by the ignition method in Test
6.4 Return all material retained on the nested sieves to the
Method D6307 shall not be used for gradation analysis if the
container. Dry the washed aggregate in the container to
correction factor obtained in Test Method D6307 is greater
constant weight at a temperature not to exceed the mixture
than 1.0 (see Note 2).
laboratory compaction temperature +5 °C and not less than
5.2 The size of the test sample shall be governed by the
105 °C, and weigh to the nearest 0.1 % of the original dry
nominal maximum aggregate size and shall conform to the
weight of the sample.
mass requirements shown in Table 1.
6.5 Then sieve the aggregate over sieves of the various sizes
NOTE 2—The temperatures used during the ignition method of asphalt
required by the specification covering the mixture, including
content determination can cause temperature-related deterioration, such as
the 75 μm sieve. Record the weight of material passing each
calcination of some carbonate minerals, and quartz phase transitions.
These reactions can result in particle breakdown, which will yield sieve and retained on the next and the amount passing the
gradation results that are finer than the actual material that was used in the
75 μm sieve. The summation of these various weights must
mixture.
check the dried weight after washing within 0.2 % of the total
weight. Add the weight of dry material passing the 75 μm sieve
6. Procedure
by dry sieving to the weight of mineral matter in the bitumen
6.1 Dry the sample at 110 6 5 °C to constant weight.
and the weight removed by washing in order to obtain the total
Determine th
...

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: D5444 − 15 D5444 − 23
Standard Test Method for
Mechanical Size Analysis of Extracted Aggregate
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5444; 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 a procedure for determination of the particle size distribution of fine and coarse aggregates extracted
from bituminousasphalt mixtures using sieves with square openings.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.3 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 healthsafety, health, and environmental practices and determine
the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.4 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
D2172D2172/D2172M Test Methods for Quantitative Extraction of Asphalt Binder from Asphalt Mixtures
D3666 Specification for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Testing and Inspecting Road and Paving Materials
D6307 Test Method for Asphalt Content of Asphalt Mixture by Ignition Method
E11 Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test Sieves
2.2 AASHTO Standard:
AASHTO Test Method T 30 Mechanical Analysis of Extracted Aggregate
3. Significance and Use
3.1 This test method is used to determine the grading of aggregates extracted from bituminousasphalt mixtures. The results are
used to determine compliance of the particle size distribution with applicable specifications requirements, and to provide necessary
data for control of the production of various aggregates to be used in bituminousasphalt 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
This test method 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 Feb. 1, 2015May 1, 2023. Published March 2015May 2023. Originally approved in 1993. Last previous edition approved in 20082015 as
D5444 – 08.D5444 – 15. DOI: 10.1520/D5444-15.10.1520/D5444-23.
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.
Available from American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), 444 N. Capitol St., NW, Suite 249, Washington, DC 20001,
http://www.transportation.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D5444 − 23
capability, calibration, and maintenance of the equipment used. Agencies that meet the criteria of Specification D3666 are generally considered capable
of competent and objective testing, sampling, inspection, etc. Users of this standard are cautioned that compliance with Specification D3666 alone does
not completely ensure reliable results. Reliable results depend on many factors; following the suggestions of Specification D3666 or some similar
acceptable guideline provides a means of evaluating and controlling some of those factors.
4. Apparatus
4.1 Balances, or scales, readable to 0.1 g and accurate to 0.1 g 0.1 g or 0.1 % of the test load, whichever is greater, at any point
within the range of use.
4.2 Sieves, with square openings, mounted on substantial frames constructed in a manner that will prevent the loss of materials
during sieving. Suitable sieve sizes shall be selected to furnish the information required by the specifications covering the material
to be tested. The woven wire cloth sieves shall conform to the requirements of Specification E11.
4.3 Mechanical Sieve Shaker—If used, it shall impart a vertical, or lateral and vertical, motion to the sieve, causing the particles
thereon to bounce and turn so as to present different orientations to the sieving surface. The sieving action shall be such that the
criterion for adequacy of sieving described in 6.8 is met in a reasonable time period.
4.4 Oven, of appropriate size, capable of maintaining a uniform temperature of 110 6 5°C.5 °C.
4.5 Container—A pan or vessel of a size sufficient to contain the sample covered with water and to permit vigorous agitation
without loss of any of the sample or water.
5. Sample
5.1 The sample shall consist of the entire sample of aggregate from Test Method D2172D2172/D2172M or Test Method D6307.
5.1.1 Aggregate extracted by the ignition method in Test Method D6307 shall not be used for gradation analysis if the correction
factor obtained in Test Method D6307 is greater than 1.0 (see Note 12).
5.2 The size of the test sample shall be governed by the nominal maximum aggregate size and shall conform to the mass
requirements shown in Table 1.
NOTE 2—The temperatures used during the ignition method of asphalt content determination can cause temperature-related deterioration, such as
calcination of some carbonate minerals, and quartz phase transitions. These reactions can result in particle breakdown, which will yield gradation results
that are finer than the actual material that was used in the mixture.
6. Procedure
6.1 Dry the sample at 110 6 5°C5 °C to constant weight. Determine the weight to the nearest 0.1 % of the sample weight. The
total weight of aggregate in the bituminousasphalt mixture being tested is the sum of the weights of the dried aggregates and the
mineral matter contained in the extracted bitumen. When using Test Method D2172D2172/D2172M, the latter is to be taken as
the sum of the weight of ash in the extract and the increase in weight of the filter element as determined in the test method.
TABLE 1 Size of Sample
Nominal Maximum Minimum Mass of
Aggregate Size Sample, kg
4.75 mm (No. 4) 0.5
9.5 mm 1
12.5 mm 1.5
19.0 mm 2
25.0 mm 3
37.5 mm 4
Information presented by Chris Rogers at the Annual Symposium of the “International Center for Aggregate Research,” April,April 2004, Denver, CO.
D5444 − 23
6.2 After drying and weighing the test sample, place it in a container and cover it with water. Add a sufficient amount of wetting
agent to ensure a thorough separation of the material finer than the 75-μm75 μm sieve from the coarser particles (see Note 23).
The contents of the container shall be agitated vigorously and the washwater poured immediately over a nest of two sieves
consisting of a 2.00 or 1.18-mm1.18 mm sieve superimposed on a 75-μm75 μm sieve. The use of a large spoon to stir and agitate
the aggregate in the washwater has been found satisfac
...