ASTM D2493/D2493M-16

Standard Practice for Viscosity-Temperature Chart for Asphalt Binders

SCOPE
1.1 The viscosity-temperature chart covered by this standard is a convenient means of plotting data for estimating the viscosity of asphalt binders at any temperature within a limited range. Conversely, the chart may be used to ascertain the temperature at which a desired viscosity is attained.  
1.2 The chart is suitable for asphalt binders and for asphalts recovered from laboratory aging tests or extracted from pavements.  
1.3 The chart is based on a viscosity-temperature relationship that can be plotted using any appropriate set of units. For convenience, charts based on both conventional and SI units are provided.  
1.4 The range of the chart is sufficient for roofing asphalts.  
1.5 The range of the chart is sufficient for asphalt binders whose viscosity exceeds 0.01 Pa.S (10 centipoise).  
1.6 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in nonconformance with the standard.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 30-Nov-2016
• ICS: 91.100.50 - Binders. Sealing materials
• ICS: 93.080.20 - Road construction materials
• Technical Committee: D04 - Road and Paving Materials
• Drafting Committee: D04.44 - Rheological Tests

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D2493/D2493M-09 - Standard Viscosity-Temperature Chart for Asphalts
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2016
• Refers: ASTM D7175-23 - Standard Test Method for Determining the Rheological Properties of Asphalt Binder Using a Dynamic Shear Rheometer
• Effective Date: 15-Dec-2023
• Refers: ASTM D341-20 - Standard Practice for Viscosity-Temperature Equations and Charts for Liquid Petroleum or Hydrocarbon Products
• Effective Date: 01-May-2020
• Refers: ASTM D341-20e1 - Standard Practice for Viscosity-Temperature Equations and Charts for Liquid Petroleum or Hydrocarbon Products
• Effective Date: 01-May-2020
• Refers: ASTM D4957-18 - Standard Test Method for Apparent Viscosity of Asphalt Emulsion Residues and Non-Newtonian Asphalts by Vacuum Capillary Viscometer
• Effective Date: 15-Jan-2018
• Refers: ASTM D341-17 - Standard Practice for Viscosity-Temperature Charts for Liquid Petroleum Products
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2017
• Refers: ASTM D341-09(2015) - Standard Practice for Viscosity-Temperature Charts for Liquid Petroleum Products
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2015
• Refers: ASTM D341-09 - Standard Practice for Viscosity-Temperature Charts for Liquid Petroleum Products
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2009
• Refers: ASTM D7175-08 - Standard Test Method for Determining the Rheological Properties of Asphalt Binder Using a Dynamic Shear Rheometer
• Effective Date: 15-Jul-2008
• Refers: ASTM D4957-08 - Standard Test Method for Apparent Viscosity of Asphalt Emulsion Residues and Non-Newtonian Bitumens by Vacuum Capillary Viscometer (Withdrawn 2017)
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2008
• Refers: ASTM D2170-07 - Standard Test Method for Kinematic Viscosity of Asphalts (Bitumens)
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2007
• Refers: ASTM D7175-07 - Standard Test Method for Determining the Rheological Properties of Asphalt Binder Using a Dynamic Shear Rheometer
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2007
• Refers: ASTM D2171-07e1 - Standard Test Method for Viscosity of Asphalts by Vacuum Capillary Viscometer
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2007
• Refers: ASTM D2171-07 - Standard Test Method for Viscosity of Asphalts by Vacuum Capillary Viscometer
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2007
• Refers: ASTM D2170-01a(2006) - Standard Test Method for Kinematic Viscosity of Asphalts (Bitumens)
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2006

Overview

ASTM D2493/D2493M-16 is the ASTM International standard practice specifying methods for creating and interpreting viscosity-temperature charts for asphalt binders. These charts provide a convenient means for plotting and estimating viscosity values at various temperatures within a defined range. The standard is applicable to both original asphalt binders and asphalts that have been recovered from laboratory aging tests or extracted from pavements.

This standard supports the understanding of asphalt’s rheological behavior, essential for quality control, material specification, and process optimization in paving, roofing, and other asphalt applications. Charts can be constructed utilizing both SI and conventional (inch-pound) units.

Key Topics

• Viscosity-Temperature Relationship: The standard outlines constructing charts that plot viscosity as a function of temperature, allowing users to estimate either property within the specified range.
• Applicable Materials: Suitable for original asphalt binders, asphalts extracted from in-service pavements, and materials recovered from lab aging simulations.
• Unit Flexibility: Provides guidelines for developing charts in both SI (Pa·s, °C) and conventional (poise, °F) units. Users must remain consistent within the chosen system.
• Plotting Procedure:
  • For temperatures above 60°C [140°F], at least two points are required to create a straight-line correlation.
  • For temperatures below 60°C [140°F], a minimum of three points should be plotted, potentially resulting in a curve.
  • Accurate viscosity data should ideally be obtained under standardized shear conditions for meaningful data comparison.
• Cautions on Application: The chart is most reliable at higher temperatures, where asphalts remain primarily viscous. At lower temperatures, asphalt materials may exhibit viscoelastic behavior not fully described by viscosity alone.

Applications

The viscosity-temperature chart for asphalt binders offers practical utility in several areas:

• Paving Materials Selection: Enables engineers and technicians to estimate the viscosity of asphalt binders at different temperatures, supporting material selection and formulation for specific climate and service conditions.
• Quality Control & Testing: Facilitates monitoring of binder consistency and performance through both standard and custom laboratory tests.
• Roofing Applications: The standard’s temperature and viscosity range is suitable for many roofing asphalts, covering specification requirements.
• Research & Development: Streamlines the plotting and analysis of experimental viscosity data, including for asphalts subjected to aging simulations or field recovery.
• Field Performance Analysis: Assists in determining suitable working temperatures for asphalt mixing, transport, and placement by correlating target viscosities with precise temperatures.

Related Standards

ASTM D2493/D2493M-16 references several key ASTM methods for viscosity determination and for related analytical practices:

• ASTM D341 - Practice for Viscosity-Temperature Charts for Liquid Petroleum Products
• ASTM D2170 - Test Method for Kinematic Viscosity of Asphalts (Bitumens)
• ASTM D2171 - Test Method for Viscosity of Asphalts by Vacuum Capillary Viscometer
• ASTM D4402 - Test Method for Viscosity Determination of Asphalt at Elevated Temperatures Using a Rotational Viscometer
• ASTM D4957 - Test Method for Apparent Viscosity of Asphalt Emulsion Residues and Non-Newtonian Bitumens by Vacuum Capillary Viscometer
• ASTM D7175 - Test Method for Determining the Rheological Properties of Asphalt Binder Using a Dynamic Shear Rheometer

These standards complement ASTM D2493/D2493M by providing validated methods for obtaining the viscosity data inputted into viscosity-temperature charts.

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Keywords: viscosity-temperature chart, asphalt binder, rheology, ASTM D2493, viscosity estimation, asphalt testing, SI units, conventional units, paving materials, roofing asphalt

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: D2493/D2493M − 16
Standard Practice for
Viscosity-Temperature Chart for Asphalt Binders
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D2493/D2493M; 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 at Elevated Temperatures Using a Rotational Viscometer
D4957TestMethodforApparentViscosityofAsphaltEmul-
1.1 The viscosity-temperature chart covered by this stan-
sion Residues and Non-Newtonian Bitumens by Vacuum
dard is a convenient means of plotting data for estimating the
Capillary Viscometer
viscosityofasphaltbindersatanytemperaturewithinalimited
D7175Test Method for Determining the Rheological Prop-
range. Conversely, the chart may be used to ascertain the
erties of Asphalt Binder Using a Dynamic Shear Rheom-
temperature at which a desired viscosity is attained.
eter
1.2 The chart is suitable for asphalt binders and for asphalts
recovered from laboratory aging tests or extracted from pave-
3. Significance and Use
ments.
3.1 The viscosity-temperature chart is a convenient means
1.3 The chart is based on a viscosity-temperature relation-
of plotting the viscosity data for estimating the viscosity of
ship that can be plotted using any appropriate set of units. For
asphaltbinders,recoveredasphalts,androofingasphaltsatany
convenience, charts based on both conventional and SI units
temperature within a limited range. It is also a convenient
are provided.
means to estimate the temperature at which a desired viscosity
1.4 The range of the chart is sufficient for roofing asphalts. is attained. Charts may be constructed manually or using
computer graphing software.
1.5 The range of the chart is sufficient for asphalt binders
whose viscosity exceeds 0.01Pa.S (10 centipoise).
3.2 Kinematic viscosity-temperature charts are described in
Practice D341.
1.6 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in
4. Description
each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each
system shall be used independently of the other. Combining
4.1 Fig. 1 shows an example viscosity-temperature chart.
values from the two systems may result in nonconformance
For Fig. 1, the chart coordinates are logarithm of the logarithm
with the standard.
of the viscosity in centipoise as the ordinate, and logarithm of
the absolute temperature in degrees Rankine (degrees F +
2. Referenced Documents
459.7) as the abscissa. However, the viscosity in poise and the
temperature in degrees Fahrenheit are shown in the chart for
2.1 ASTM Standards:
convenience.
D341Practice for Viscosity-Temperature Charts for Liquid
Petroleum Products
4.2 Fig. 2 shows an example viscosity-temperature chart.
D2170Test Method for Kinematic Viscosity of Asphalts
For Fig. 2, the chart coordinates are logarithm of the logarithm
(Bitumens)
of the viscosity in mPa·S as the ordinate, and logarithm of the
D2171Test Method for Viscosity of Asphalts by Vacuum
absolute temperature in degrees Kelvin (degrees C + 273.2) as
Capillary Viscometer
theabscissa.However,viscosityinPa·Sandthetemperaturein
D4402Test Method for Viscosity Determination of Asphalt
degrees Celsius are shown in the chart for convenience.
4.3 The temperature range of the charts may be extended or
abbreviated as necessary.
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D04 on Road and
Paving Materials and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D04.44 on
Rheological Tests.
5. Procedure
Current edition approved Dec. 1, 2016. Published January 2017. Originally
5.1 If the viscosities are not known they should be deter-
approved in 1966. Last previous edition approved in 2009 as D2493/D2493M–09.
DOI: 10.1520/D2493_D2493M-16.
mined in accordance with Test Methods D2170, D2171,
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
D4402, D4957,or D7175. Viscosities determined at tempera-
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
tures other than the temperatures specified in each of these test
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. methods may be used.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D2493/D2493M − 16
FIG. 1 Viscosity-Temperature Chart for Asphalt Binders on Which a Typical Experimental Curve Has Been Plotted
used when applying this standard below that temperature.
5.2 For temperatures above 60 °C [140 °F], plot two
NOTE 2—Some asphalt binders have viscosity-temperature relation-
viscosity-temperature points and carefully draw a straight line
shipstoocomplextoberepresentedbyonlythreepoints,asshowninFig.
through the points. Plot at least three viscosity-temperature
1. In this case, determine the viscosity at sufficient temperatures to
points if the included temperature range is below 60°C
produce a curve adequate for the purpose intended.
[140°F]. Carefully draw a straight line or curve through the
NOTE 3—Viscosities determined by extrapolation of data may be
unreliable.
points.Apoint on this line, within the temperature range of the
pointsplotted,showstheviscosityatthecorrespondingdesired
5.3 The viscosity values represented by the data points may
temperature. have been obtained at different shear rates. This chart does not
reflect the shear rate at which the viscosities were determined.
NOTE 1—These charts are appropriate for use at higher temperatures,
where asphalts are primarily viscous.At lower temperatures most asphalt
6. Keywords
binders become viscoelastic. When this occurs, viscosity alone is insuf-
ficient to describe an asphalt binder’s flow properties. Caution should be
6.1 asphalt; rheology; viscosity; viscosity-temperature chart
D2493/D2493M − 16
FIG. 2 Viscosity-Temperature Chart for Asphalt Binders on Which a Typical Experimental Curve Has Been Plotted
APPENDIX
(Nonmandatory Information)
X1. SUGGESTIONS FOR DATA ANALYSIS
X1.1 The chart in Fig. 1 inc
...

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: D2493/D2493M − 09 D2493/D2493M − 16
Standard Practice for
Viscosity-Temperature Chart for AsphaltsAsphalt Binders
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D2493/D2493M; 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 The viscosity-temperature chart covered by this standard is a convenient means of plotting data for estimating the viscosity
of asphalts at any temperature within a limited range. Conversely, the chart may be used to ascertain the temperature at which a
desired viscosity is attained.
1.2 The chart is suitable for original asphalt cements and for asphalts recovered from laboratory aging tests or extracted from
pavements.
1.3 The chart is based on a viscosity–temperature relationship that can be plotted using any appropriate set of units. For
convenience, charts based on both conventional and SI units are provided.
1.4 The range of the chart is sufficient for roofing asphalts.
1.5 The range of the chart is sufficient for liquid asphalts (bitumens) whose viscosity exceeds 0.01 Pa.S (10 centipoise).
1.6 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each
system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the
two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D341 Practice for Viscosity-Temperature Charts for Liquid Petroleum Products
D2170 Test Method for Kinematic Viscosity of Asphalts (Bitumens)
D2171 Test Method for Viscosity of Asphalts by Vacuum Capillary Viscometer
D3205 Test Method for Viscosity of Asphalt with Cone and Plate Viscometer (Withdrawn 2000)
D4402 Test Method for Viscosity Determination of Asphalt at Elevated Temperatures Using a Rotational Viscometer
D4957 Test Method for Apparent Viscosity of Asphalt Emulsion Residues and Non-Newtonian Bitumens by Vacuum Capillary
Viscometer
3. Significance and Use
3.1 The viscosity-temperature chart is a convenient means of plotting the viscosity data for estimating the viscosity of asphalts,
recovered asphalts, and roofing asphalts at any temperature within a limited range. It is also a convenient means to estimate the
temperature at which a desired viscosity is attained. Charts may be constructed manually or using computer graphing software.
3.2 Kinematic viscosity-temperature charts are described in Charts D341.
4. Description
4.1 For Fig. 1, the chart coordinates are logarithm of the logarithm of the viscosity in mPa.S as the ordinate, and logarithm of
the absolute temperature in degrees Kelvin (degrees C + 273.2) as the abscissa. However, the viscosity in Pa.S and the temperature
in degrees Celsius is shown in the chart for convenience.
1 Pa.s5 mPa.s310 (1)
~ !
This chartpractice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D04 on Road and Paving Materials and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D04.44 on
Rheological Tests.
Current edition approved Dec. 1, 2009Dec. 1, 2016. Published January 2010January 2017. Originally approved in 1966. Last previous edition approved in 20012009 as
ε1
D2493 – 01D2493/D2493M – 09. . DOI: 10.1520/D2493_D2493M-09.10.1520/D2493_D2493M-16.
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
D2493/D2493M − 16
FIG. 1 Viscosity-Temperature Chart for Asphalts Asphalt Binders on Which a Typical Experimental Curve Has Been Plotted
4.2 For Fig. 2, the chart coordinates are logarithm of the logarithm of the viscosity in centipoise as the ordinate, and logarithm
of the absolute temperature in degrees Rankine (degrees F + 459.7) as the abscissa. However, viscosity in poise, and the
temperature in degrees Fahrenheit is shown in the chart for convenience.
4.3 The temperature range of the charts may be extended or abbreviated as necessary.
5. Procedure
5.1 If the viscosities are not known they should be determined in accordance with Test Methods D2170, D2171, D3205, D4402,
or D4957. Viscosities determined at temperatures other than the temperatures specified in each of these test methods may be used.
5.2 For temperatures above 60°C [140°F], plot two viscosity-temperature points and carefully draw a straight line through the
points. Plot at least three viscosity-temperature points if the included temperature range is below 60°C [140°F]. Carefully draw
a straight line or curve through the points. A point on this line, within the temperature range of the points plotted, shows the
viscosity at the corresponding desired temperature.
NOTE 1—These charts are appropriate for use at higher temperatures, where asphalts are primarily viscous. At lower temperatures most asphalts become
viscoelastic. When this occurs, viscosity alone is insufficient to describe an asphalt’s flow properties. Most asphalts are primarily viscous at temperatures
above 60°C [140°F]. Caution should be used when applying this standard below that temperature.
NOTE 2—Some asphalts have viscosity-temperature relationships too complex to be represented by only three points, as shown in Fig. 1. In this case
determine the viscosity at sufficient temperatures to produce a curve adequate for the purpose intended.
NOTE 3—Viscosities determined by extrapolation of data may be unreliable.
5.3 The viscosity values represented by the data points may have been obtained at different shear rates. This chart does not
reflect the shear rate at which the viscosities were determined.
6. Keywords
6.1 asphalt; rheology; viscosity; viscosity-temperature chart
D2493/D2493M − 16
1. Scope
1.1 The viscosity-temperature chart covered by this standard is a convenient means of plotting data for estimating the viscosity
of asphalt binders at any temperature within a limited range. Conversely, the chart may be used to ascertain the temperature at
which a desired viscosity is attained.
1.2 The chart is suitable for asphalt binders and for asphalts recovered from laboratory aging tests or extracted from pavements.
1.3 The chart is based on a viscosity-temperature relationship that can be plotted using any appropriate set of units. For
convenience, charts based on both conventional and SI units are provided.
1.4 The range of the chart is sufficient for roofing asphalts.
1.5 The range of the chart is sufficient for asphalt binders whose viscosity exceeds 0.01 Pa.S (10 centipoise).
1.6 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each
system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the
two systems may result in nonconformance with the standard.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D341 Practice for Viscosity-Temperature Charts for Liquid Petroleum Products
D2170 Test Method for Kinematic Viscosity of Asphalts (Bitumens)
D2171 Test Method for Viscosity of Asphalts by Vacuum Capillary Viscometer
D4402 Test Method for Viscosity Determination of Asphalt at Elevated Temperatures Using a Rotational Viscometer
D4957 Test Method for Apparent Viscosity of Asphalt Emulsion Residues and Non-Newtonian Bitumens by Vacuum Capillary
Viscometer
D7175 Test Method for Determining the Rheological Properties of Asphalt Binder Using a Dynamic Shear Rheometer
D2493/D2493M − 16
3. Significance and Use
3.1 The viscosity-temperature chart is a convenient means of plotting the viscosity data for estimating the viscosity of asphalt
binders, recovered asphalts, and roofing asphalts at any temperature within a limited range. It is also a convenient means to estimate
the temperature at which a desired viscosity is attained. Charts may be constructed manually or using computer graphing software.
3.2 Kinematic viscosity-temperature charts are described in Practice D341.
4. Description
4.1 Fig. 1 shows an example viscosity-temperature chart. For Fig. 1, the chart coordinates are logarithm of the logarithm of the
viscosity in centipoise as the ordinate, and logarithm of the absolute temperature in degrees Rankine (degrees F + 459.7) as the
abscissa. However, the viscosity in poise and the temperature in degrees Fahrenheit are shown in the chart for convenience.
4.2 Fig. 2 shows an example viscosity-temperature chart. For Fig. 2, the chart coordinates are logarithm of the logarithm of the
FIG. 2 Viscosity-Temperature Chart for Asphalts Asphalt Binders on Which a Typical Experimental Curve Has Been Plotted
viscosity in mPa·S as the ordinate, and logarithm of the absolute temperature in degrees Kelvin (degrees C + 273.2) as the abscissa.
However, viscosity in Pa·S and the temperature in degrees Celsius are shown in the chart for convenience.
4.3 The temperature range of the charts may be extended or abbreviated as necessary.
5. Procedure
5.1 If the viscosities are not known they should be determined in accordance with Test Methods D2170, D2171, D4402, D4957,
or D7175. Viscosities determined at temperatures other than the temperatures specified in each of these test methods may be used.
D2493/D2493M − 16
5.2 For temperatures above 60 °C [140 °F], plot two viscosity-temperature points and carefully draw a straight line through the
points. Plot at least three viscosity-temperature points if the included temperature range is below 60 °C [140 °F]. Carefully draw
a straight line or curve through the points. A point on this line, within the temperature range of the points plotted, shows the
viscosity at the corresponding desired temperature.
NOTE 1—These charts are appropriate for use at higher temperatures, where asphalts are primarily viscous. At lower temperatures most asphalt binders
become viscoelastic. When this occurs, viscosity alone is insufficient to describe an asphalt binder’s flow properties. Caution should be used when
applying this standard below that temperature.
NOTE 2—Some asphalt binders have viscosity-temperature relationships too complex to be represented by only three points, as shown in Fig. 1. In this
case, determine the viscosity at sufficient temperatures to produce a curve adequate for the purpose intended.
NOTE 3—Viscosities determined by extrapolation of data may be unreliable.
5.3 The viscosity values represented by the data points may have been obtained at different shear rates. This chart does not
reflect the shear rate at which the viscosities were determined.
6. Keywords
6.1 asphalt; rheology; viscosity; viscosity-temperature chart
APPENDIX
(Nonmandatory Information)
X1. SUGGESTIONS FOR DATA ANALYSIS
FIG. X1.1 Power Law Shear Stress versus Shear Rate Relationship
X1.1 The chart in Fig. 1 includes the region where the viscosity of asphalt binders depends not only on the temperature, but also
on the shearing conditions. Therefore, the data plotted on the viscosity-temperature chart must be obtained under standardized
shearing conditions, for example, at the same shear rate, or the same shear stress. Constant shearing conditions also imply the use
of the same viscometer, or viscometers of the same type and size, to avoid differences in viscosity values caused by differences
in the extent of breakdown of the micellar structure of the asphalt due to shearing in the measurement process.
−1
X1.2 Viscosities of asphalt binders are often reported at an arbitrary shear rate of 0.05 s . Interpolation or extrapolation of
measured viscosity data is often required to obtai
...