ASTM D2950-05

Standard Test Method for Density of Bituminous Concrete in Place by Nuclear Methods

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
The test method described is useful as a rapid, nondestructive technique for determining the in-place density of compacted bituminous mixtures.
With proper calibration and confirmation testing, the test method is suitable for quality control and acceptance testing of compacted bituminous concrete.
The test method can be used to establish the proper rolling effort and pattern to achieve the required density.
The non-destructive nature of the test allows repetitive measurements to be made at a single test location between roller passes and to monitor changes in density.
The density results obtained by this test method are relative. Correlation with other test methods such as D 1188 or D 2726 are required to convert the results obtained using this method to actual density. It is recommended that at least seven core densities and seven nuclear densities be used to establish a conversion factor. A new factor must be established at any time a change is made in the paving mixture or in the construction process.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method describes a test procedure for determining the density of bituminous concrete by the attenuation of gamma radiation, where the source and detector(s) remain on the surface (Backscatter Method) or the source or detector is placed at a known depth up to 300 mm (12 in.) while the detector or source remains on the surface (Direct Transmission Method).
1.2 The density, in mass per unit volume of the material under test, is determined by comparing the detected rate of gamma emissions with previously established calibration data.
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 health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific warning statements see Section 6 and Note 4.
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The inch-pound equivalents may be approximate.

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 31-May-2005
• ICS: 93.080.10 - Road construction
• Technical Committee: D04 - Road and Paving Materials
• Drafting Committee: D04.21 - Specific Gravity and Density of Asphalt Mixtures

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D2950-91(1997) - Standard Test Method for Density of Bituminous Concrete in Place by Nuclear Methods
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2005
• Replaced By: ASTM D2950-09 - Standard Test Method for Density of Bituminous Concrete in Place by Nuclear Methods
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2009
• Referred By: ASTM F2157-09(2018) - Standard Specification for Synthetic Surfaced Running Tracks
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2005

Standards Content (Sample)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation:D2950–05
Standard Test Method for
Density of Bituminous Concrete in Place by Nuclear
1
Methods
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 2950; 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 (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.
1. Scope D 2726 Test Method for Bulk Specific Gravity and Density
of Non-Absorptive Compacted Bituminous Mixtures
1.1 This test method describes a test procedure for deter-
D 3665 Practice for Random Sampling of Construction
miningthedensityofbituminousconcretebytheattenuationof
Materials
gamma radiation, where the source and detector(s) remain on
the surface (Backscatter Method) or the source or detector is
3. Significance and Use
placed at a known depth up to 300 mm (12 in.) while the
3.1 The test method described is useful as a rapid, nonde-
detector or source remains on the surface (Direct Transmission
structive technique for determining the in-place density of
Method).
compacted bituminous mixtures.
1.2 The density, in mass per unit volume of the material
3.2 Withpropercalibrationandconfirmationtesting,thetest
under test, is determined by comparing the detected rate of
method is suitable for quality control and acceptance testing of
gamma emissions with previously established calibration data.
compacted bituminous concrete.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
3.3 The test method can be used to establish the proper
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
rolling effort and pattern to achieve the required density.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
3.4 The non-destructive nature of the test allows repetitive
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
measurements to be made at a single test location between
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific
roller passes and to monitor changes in density.
warning statements see Section 6 and Note 4.
3.5 The density results obtained by this test method are
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
relative. Correlation with other test methods such as D 1188 or
standard. The inch-pound equivalents may be approximate.
D 2726 are required to convert the results obtained using this
2. Referenced Documents method to actual density. It is recommended that at least seven
2 core densities and seven nuclear densities be used to establish
2.1 ASTM Standards:
a conversion factor. A new factor must be established at any
D 1188 Test Method for Bulk Specific Gravity and Density
time a change is made in the paving mixture or in the
ofCompactedBituminousMixturesUsingParaffin-Coated
construction process.
Specimens
D 1559 Test Method for Resistance to Plastic Flow of
4. Interferences
3
Bituminous Mixtures Using Marshall Apparatus
4.1 The chemical composition of the material being tested
D 2041 Test Method for Theoretical Maximum Specific
may significantly affect the measurement and adjustments may
Gravity of Bituminous Paving Mixtures
be necessary. Certain elements with atomic numbers greater
than 20 may cause erroneously high test values.
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D04 on Road
4.2 The test method exhibits spatial bias in that the instru-
and Paving Materials and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D04.21 on
ment is most sensitive to the density of the material in closest
Specific Gravity and Density of Bituminous Mixtures.
proximity to the nuclear source.
CurrenteditionapprovedJune1,2005.PublishedJuly2005.Originallyapproved
4.2.1 When measuring the density of an overlay, it may be
in 1971. Last previous edition approved in 1997 as D 2950 – 91 (1997).
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
necessary to employ a correction factor if the underlying
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
material varies in thickness, mineral composition or degree of
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
consolidation at different points within the project. (SeeAnnex
the ASTM website.
3
Withdrawn. A3.)
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D2950–05
4.2.2 The surface roughness of the material being tested 7. Calibration
may cause lower than actual density determination.
7.1 Calibrate the instrument in accordance with Annex A1.
4.3 Oversize aggregate particles in the source-detector path
at least on
...