ASTM D7063/D7063M-18

Standard Test Method for Effective Porosity and Effective Air Voids of Compacted Asphalt Mixture Samples

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 In this test method, a compacted sample is vacuum sealed inside a plastic bag. The density of the sample, SG1, is calculated using a water displacement method, with the sample sealed. With the sample still in water, the bag is cut open. Since the sample is under vacuum and the air voids are evacuated, water will rush in to fill all the water-accessible air voids in the compacted sample. With the saturated weight of sample known, an apparent maximum density, SG2, can be calculated. The difference between SG2 and SG1 is the measure of the amount of water that has penetrated the compacted sample. This difference can be used to determine the fraction of total number of voids that are accessible to water, effective percent porosity or percent effective air voids.  
4.2 The results obtained from this method can be used to determine the percentage of total air voids in a compacted sample that can be filled with water through surface or interconnected paths within the sample. In general, effective percent porosity should be less than total percent air voids.  
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.  
4.3 This method can be used for 100 mm [4 in.] and 150 mm [6 in.] diameter cylindrical samples and cubical samples.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of effective porosity or effective air voids of compacted mixtures by the use of a vacuum sealing method.  
1.2 This method can be used for compacted field and laboratory asphalt mixture samples, as well as other compacted samples with well-defined geometrical shapes, such as concrete cylinders, cored rocks, and metal samples.  
1.3 The results of this test method can be used to determine the degree of interconnectivity of air voids within a sample and can be correlated to permeability of compacted asphalt mixture samples.  
1.4 A multi-laboratory precision and bias statement for this standard has not been developed at this time. Therefore, this standard should not be used for acceptance or rejection of a material for purchasing purposes.  
1.5 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.  
1.6 The text of this standard references notes and footnotes which provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes (excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be considered as requirements of the standard.  
1.7 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.  
1.8 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: 14-Aug-2018
• ICS: 93.080.20 - Road construction materials
• Technical Committee: D04 - Road and Paving Materials
• Drafting Committee: D04.21 - Specific Gravity and Density of Asphalt Mixtures

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D7063/D7063M-17 - Standard Test Method for Effective Porosity and Effective Air Voids of Compacted Asphalt Mixture Samples
• Effective Date: 15-Aug-2018
• Refers: ASTM D4753-24 - Standard Guide for Evaluating, Selecting, and Specifying Balances and Standard Masses for Use in Soil, Rock, and Construction Materials Testing
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024
• Refers: ASTM D8-19 - Standard Terminology Relating to Materials for Roads and Pavements
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-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 D3666-16 - Standard Specification for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Testing and Inspecting Road and Paving Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-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

Overview

ASTM D7063/D7063M-18 is the standard test method developed by ASTM International for determining the effective porosity and effective air voids in compacted asphalt mixture samples. This method employs a vacuum sealing technique to measure the percentage of air voids within compacted materials that are accessible to water. Understanding these properties is essential in assessing the permeability and durability of asphalt pavements and other relevant materials in road and civil engineering applications.

By providing a reliable means to measure effective air voids and porosity, this standard supports quality assurance and long-term pavement performance. It is applicable to both laboratory and field samples of asphalt mixtures, as well as other compacted materials with well-defined geometric shapes such as concrete, cored rocks, and metals.

Key Topics

• Vacuum Sealing Method:
  • The core of this standard is the vacuum sealing of compacted samples in a plastic bag, followed by a water displacement test. The density of the sealed and subsequently water-saturated samples is determined to calculate effective porosity and air voids.
• Sample Types and Shapes:
  • Applicable for 100 mm [4 in.] and 150 mm [6 in.] diameter cylindrical samples, as well as cubical samples. Can be used with both field-extracted and lab-prepared specimens.
• Effective Porosity vs Total Air Voids:
  • The method measures only the interconnected voids that can be filled with water, referred to as "effective" porosity or air voids, which are typically less than the total air voids present.
• Correlation with Permeability:
  • Results from this test provide insight into the degree of air void interconnectivity, which can be correlated to the permeability of asphalt mixtures, influencing water drainage and pavement longevity.
• Measurement Considerations:
  • Reliable results depend on competent testing personnel, calibrated equipment, and adherence to supplementary ASTM guidelines (such as Specification D3666).
  • Single-operator precision is established, but this method is not currently recommended for purchase acceptance or rejection decisions.

Applications

Practical applications for ASTM D7063/D7063M-18 include:

• Asphalt Pavement Evaluation: Assessing the effectiveness of compaction techniques and ensuring optimal density and durability in highways, airfields, and local roads.
• Quality Control: Monitoring the production and placement quality of asphalt mixtures by determining the connectivity of air voids that impact water infiltration and pavement deterioration.
• Research and Development: Supporting studies on the relationship between air void structure, material permeability, and long-term asphalt performance.
• Versatility: While primarily intended for compacted asphalt mixtures, this test method is also adopted for other compact materials like concrete cylinders, cored rocks, and metals, provided they have regular shapes.

Related Standards

For comprehensive quality assurance and standardized testing, ASTM D7063/D7063M-18 references and aligns with other essential ASTM standards, including:

• ASTM D8: Terminology Relating to Materials for Roads and Pavements
• ASTM D979/D979M: Practice for Sampling Bituminous Paving Mixtures
• ASTM D3666: Specification for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Testing and Inspecting Road and Paving Materials
• ASTM D4753: Guide for Evaluating, Selecting, and Specifying Balances and Standard Masses
• ASTM D5361/D5361M: Practice for Sampling Compacted Asphalt Mixtures
• ASTM D7227/D7227M: Practice for Rapid Drying of Compacted Asphalt Mixture Specimens
• ASTM E691: Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method

Summary

ASTM D7063/D7063M-18 is a valuable standard for the determination of effective porosity and air voids in compacted asphalt and similar materials, supporting infrastructure durability and performance. Its precise methodology equips laboratories and field practitioners with a robust tool for evaluating the permeability and compaction quality of materials critical to road construction and maintenance projects. For optimal results, users should adhere to all referenced specifications and guidelines provided by ASTM International.

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: D7063/D7063M − 18
Standard Test Method for
Effective Porosity and Effective Air Voids of Compacted
Asphalt Mixture Samples
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D7063/D7063M; 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 Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
1.1 This test method covers the determination of effective
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
porosityoreffectiveairvoidsofcompactedmixturesbytheuse
of a vacuum sealing method.
2. Referenced Documents
1.2 This method can be used for compacted field and 2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
laboratoryasphaltmixturesamples,aswellasothercompacted
D8Terminology Relating to Materials for Roads and Pave-
samples with well-defined geometrical shapes, such as con-
ments
crete cylinders, cored rocks, and metal samples.
D979/D979MPractice for Sampling Bituminous Paving
1.3 The results of this test method can be used to determine Mixtures
thedegreeofinterconnectivityofairvoidswithinasampleand D3666Specification for Minimum Requirements for Agen-
canbecorrelatedtopermeabilityofcompactedasphaltmixture cies Testing and Inspecting Road and Paving Materials
samples. D4753Guide for Evaluating, Selecting, and Specifying Bal-
ances and Standard Masses for Use in Soil, Rock, and
1.4 Amulti-laboratory precision and bias statement for this
Construction Materials Testing
standard has not been developed at this time. Therefore, this
D5361/D5361MPractice for Sampling Compacted Asphalt
standard should not be used for acceptance or rejection of a
Mixtures for Laboratory Testing
material for purchasing purposes.
D7227/D7227MPractice for Rapid Drying of Compacted
1.5 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units
Asphalt Mixture Specimens Using Vacuum DryingAppa-
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in
ratus
each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each
E691Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to
system shall be used independently of the other. Combining
Determine the Precision of a Test Method
values from the two systems may result in nonconformance
with the standard. 3. Terminology
1.6 The text of this standard references notes and footnotes
3.1 For definitions of terms used in this standard, refer to
whichprovideexplanatorymaterial.Thesenotesandfootnotes Terminology D8.
(excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be considered
4. Significance and Use
as requirements of the standard.
4.1 In this test method, a compacted sample is vacuum
1.7 This standard does not purport to address all of the
sealed inside a plastic bag. The density of the sample, SG1, is
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
calculatedusingawaterdisplacementmethod,withthesample
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
sealed.Withthesamplestillinwater,thebagiscutopen.Since
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
the sample is under vacuum and the air voids are evacuated,
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
waterwillrushintofillallthewater-accessibleairvoidsinthe
1.8 This international standard was developed in accor-
compacted sample. With the saturated weight of sample
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
known,anapparentmaximumdensity,SG2,canbecalculated.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
The difference between SG2 and SG1 is the measure of the
amount of water that has penetrated the compacted sample.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D04 on Road
and Paving Materials and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D04.21 on
Specific Gravity and Density of Asphalt Mixtures. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved on Aug. 15, 2018. Published August 2018. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
published in 2005. Last approved in 2017 as D7063/D7063M–17. DOI: 10.1520/ Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
D7063_D7063M-18. the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D7063/D7063M − 18
This difference can be used to determine the fraction of total 5.3 Cushioned Holder, for water displacement of the
number of voids that are accessible to water, effective percent sample, having no sharp edges.
porosity or percent effective air voids.
NOTE 4—To avoid accidental puncture of the plastic bags in the water
bath, plastic-coated cushioned holders have been found to work well for
4.2 The results obtained from this method can be used to
this test method.
determine the percentage of total air voids in a compacted
sample that can be filled with water through surface or 5.4 Vacuum Chamber, with a pump capable of evacuating a
interconnected paths within the sample. In general, effective sealed and enclosed chamber to a pressure of 6 mm Hg
percent porosity should be less than total percent air voids. [6Torr], when at sea level.The chamber shall be large enough
to test samples 150 mm [6 in.] wide by 350 mm [14 in.] long
NOTE 1—The quality of the results produced by this standard are
by150mm[6in.]thick.Thedeviceshallautomaticallysealthe
dependent on the competence of the personnel performing the procedure
plastic bag and exhaust air back into the chamber in a
and the capability, calibration, and maintenance of the equipment used.
Agencies that meet the criteria of Specification D3666 are generally
controlled manner to ensure proper conformance of the plastic
considered capable of competent and objective testing, sampling,
to the specimen. The air exhaust and vacuum operation time
inspection, etc. Users of this standard are cautioned that compliance with
shall be set at the factory so that the chamber is brought to
Specification D3666 alone does not completely ensure reliable results.
atmosphericpressurein80to125s,afterthecompletionofthe
Reliable results depend on many factors; following the suggestions of
Specification D3666 or some similar acceptable guideline provides a vacuum operation. The vacuum system shall be provided with
means of evaluating and controlling some of those factors.
a latch to control the chamber door opening.
4.3 This method can be used for 100mm [4in.] and
5.5 Vacuum Measurement Gage,independentofthevacuum
150mm [6in.] diameter cylindrical samples and cubical
sealingdevice,thatcouldbeplaceddirectlyinsidethechamber
samples.
to verify vacuum performance and the chamber door sealing
condition of the unit. The gage shall be capable of reading
5. Apparatus
down to 3 mm Hg [3 Torr] and readable to 1 mm Hg [1 Torr].
5.1 Balance, with ample capacity, and with sufficient sensi-
5.6 Plastic Bags, used with the vacuum device shall be one
tivity to enable bulk specific gravity of specimens to be
of the two following sizes. The smaller bags shall have a
calculated to at least four significant figures, that is, to at least
minimumopeningof241mm[9.50in.]andmaximumopening
three decimal places. It shall be equipped with a suitable
of 267 mm [10.50 in.], and the larger bags shall have a
apparatus to permit weighing the specimen while it is sus-
minimum opening of 368 mm [14.50 in.] and a maximum
pendedinwater.ThebalanceshallconformtoGuideD4753as
opening of 394 mm [15.5 in.]. The bags shall be of plastic
a class GP2 balance.
material that will not adhere to asphalt film, is puncture
resistant,iscapableofwithstandingsampletemperaturesofup
NOTE 2—Since there are no more significant figures in the quotient
(bulk specific gravity) than appear in either the dividend (the mass of the to70°C[158°F],isimpermeable,andcontainsnoairchannels
specimen in air) or in the divisor (the volume of the specimen, obtained
for evacuation of air from the bag. The bags shall have a
from the difference in mass of the specimen in air and in water), this
minimum thickness of 0.127 mm [0.005 in.] and maximum
means that the balance must have a sensitivity capable of providing both
thickness of 0.178 mm [0.007 in.]. The apparent specific
massandvolumevaluestoatleastfourfigures.Forexample,asensitivity
gravity for the bags shall be provided by the manufacturer for
of 0.1 g [0.00022 lb] would provide four significant figures for the
determination of a mass in the range from 130.0 to 999.9 g [0.29 to eachbagshipment.Theapparentspecificgravitiesprovidedfor
2.20lb] when the specific gravity is 2.300.
eachsizebagshallaccountforthedifferentsampleweightsand
bag weight used during testing.
5.2 Water Bath, with minimum dimensions (length × width
× depth) of 610 by 460 by 460 mm [24 by 18 by 18 in.] or a
5.7 Specimen Sliding Plate, used within the chamber for
large cylindrical container with a minimum diameter of
reduction of friction on the plastic bags.
460mm and depth of 460 mm [18 by 18 in.], for completely
5.8 Bag-Cutting Knife, or scissors.
submerging the specimen in water while suspended, equipped
with an overflow outlet for maintaining a constant water level 5.9 Thermometer, readable to 1 °C[2 °F].
and temperature controls to maintain the water temperature at
25 6 1°C [77 6 2 °F].
6. Verification
NOTE 3—It is preferable to keep the water temperature constant by 6.1 System Verification:
using a temperature-controlled heater. Also, to reduce the chance for the
6.1.1 The vacuum settings of the device shall be verified
bagtotouchthesidesofthewatertank,itispreferabletoelevatethewater
once every three months, after major repairs, and after each
tank to a level at which the sample can be placed on the weighing
shipment or relocation.
mechanism while the operator is standing up (waist height), and the
6.1.2 Place 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: D7063/D7063M − 17 D7063/D7063M − 18
Standard Test Method for
Effective Porosity and Effective Air Voids of Compacted
Asphalt Mixture Samples
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D7063/D7063M; 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 the determination of effective porosity or effective air voids of compacted mixtures by the use of
a vacuum sealing method.
1.2 This method can be used for compacted field and laboratory asphalt mixture samples, as well as other compacted samples
with well-defined geometrical shapes, such as concrete cylinders, cored rocks, and metal samples.
1.3 The results of this test method can be used to determine the degree of interconnectivity of air voids within a sample and
can be correlated to permeability of compacted asphalt mixture samples.
1.4 A multi-laboratory precision and bias statement for this standard has not been developed at this time. Therefore, this
standard should not be used for acceptance or rejection of a material for purchasing purposes.
1.5 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 equivalent;equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values
from the two systems may result in nonconformance with the standard.
1.6 The text of this standard references notes and footnotes which provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes
(excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be considered as requirements of the standard.
1.7 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 safety, health, and healthenvironmental practices and determine the
applicability of regulatory requirementslimitations prior to use.
1.8 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:
D8 Terminology Relating to Materials for Roads and Pavements
D979/D979M Practice for Sampling Bituminous Paving Mixtures
D3666 Specification for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Testing and Inspecting Road and Paving Materials
D4753 Guide for Evaluating, Selecting, and Specifying Balances and Standard Masses for Use in Soil, Rock, and Construction
Materials Testing
D5361/D5361M Practice for Sampling Compacted Asphalt Mixtures for Laboratory Testing
D7227/D7227M Practice for Rapid Drying of Compacted Asphalt Mixture Specimens Using Vacuum Drying Apparatus
E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method
3. Terminology
3.1 For definitions of terms used in this standard, refer to Terminology D8.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D04 on Road and Paving Materials and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D04.21 on Specific
Gravity and Density of Asphalt Mixtures.
Current edition approved on June 15, 2017Aug. 15, 2018. Published June 2017August 2018. Originally published in 2005. Last approved in 20112017 as
D7063/D7063M – 11.D7063/D7063M – 17. DOI: 10.1520/D7063_D7063M-17.10.1520/D7063_D7063M-18.
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
D7063/D7063M − 18
4. Significance and Use
4.1 In this test method, a compacted sample is vacuum sealed inside a plastic bag. The density of the sample, SG1, is calculated
using a water displacement method, with the sample sealed. With the sample still in water, the bag is cut open. Since the sample
is under vacuum and the air voids are evacuated, water will rush in to fill all the water-accessible air voids in the compacted sample.
With the saturated weight of sample known, an apparent maximum density, SG2, can be calculated. The difference between SG2
and SG1 is the measure of the amount of water that has penetrated the compacted sample. This difference can be used to determine
the fraction of total number of voids that are accessible to water, effective percent porosity or percent effective air voids.
4.2 The results obtained from this method can be used to determine the percentage of total air voids in a compacted sample that
can be filled with water through surface or interconnected paths within the sample. In general, effective percent porosity should
be less than total percent air voids.
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.
4.3 This method can be used for 100-mm [4-in.] and 150-mm [6-in.]100 mm [4 in.] and 150 mm [6 in.] diameter cylindrical
samples and cubical samples.
5. Apparatus
5.1 Balance, with ample capacity, and with sufficient sensitivity to enable bulk specific gravity of specimens to be calculated
to at least four significant figures, that is, to at least three decimal places. It shall be equipped with a suitable apparatus to permit
weighing the specimen while it is suspended in water. The balance shall conform to Guide D4753 as a class GP2 balance.
NOTE 2—Since there are no more significant figures in the quotient (bulk specific gravity) than appear in either the dividend (the mass of the specimen
in air) or in the divisor (the volume of the specimen, obtained from the difference in mass of the specimen in air and in water), this means that the balance
must have a sensitivity capable of providing both mass and volume values to at least four figures. For example, a sensitivity of 0.1 g [0.00022 lb] would
provide four significant figures for the determination of a mass in the range from 130.0 to 999.9 g [0.29 to 2.20 lb] when the specific gravity is 2.300.
5.2 Water Bath, with minimum dimensions (length × width × depth) of 610 by 460 by 460 mm [24 by 18 by 18 in.] or a large
cylindrical container with a minimum diameter of 460 mm and depth of 460 mm [18 by 18 in.], for completely submerging the
specimen in water while suspended, equipped with an overflow outlet for maintaining a constant water level and temperature
controls to maintain the water temperature at 25 6 1 °C [77 6 2 °F].
NOTE 3—It is preferable to keep the water temperature constant by using a temperature-controlled heater. Also, to reduce the chance for the bag to touch
the sides of the water tank, it is preferable to elevate the water tank to a level at which the sample can be placed on the weighing mechanism while the
operator is standing up (waist height), and the placement of the sample and the bag in the water tank can easily be inspected.
5.3 Cushioned Holder, for water displacement of the sample, having no sharp edges.
NOTE 4—To avoid accidental puncture of the plastic bags in the water bath, plastic-coated cushioned holders have been found to work well for this
test method.
5.4 Vacuum Chamber, with a pump capable of evacuating a sealed and enclosed chamber to a pressure of 6 mm Hg [6 Torr],
when at sea level. The chamber shall be large enough to test samples 150 mm [6 in.] wide by 350 mm [14 in.] long by 150 mm
[6 in.] thick. The device shall automatically seal the plastic bag and exhaust air back into the chamber in a controlled manner to
ensure proper conformance of the plastic to the specimen. The air exhaust and vacuum operation time shall be set at the factory
so that the chamber is brought to atmospheric pressure in 80 to 125 s, after the completion of the vacuum operation. The vacuum
system shall be provided with a latch to control the chamber door opening.
5.5 Vacuum Measurement Gage, independent of the vacuum sealing device, that could be placed directly inside the chamber to
verify vacuum performance and the chamber door sealing condition of the unit. The gage shall be capable of reading down to 3
mm Hg [3 Torr] and readable to 1 mm Hg [1 Torr].
5.6 Plastic Bags, used with the vacuum device shall be one of the two following sizes. The smaller bags shall have a minimum
opening of 235241 mm [9.25[9.50 in.] and maximum opening of 260267 mm [10.25[10.50 in.], and the larger bags shall have a
minimum opening of 375368 mm [14.75[14.50 in.] and a maximum opening of 394 mm [15.5 in.]. The bags shall be of plastic
material that will not adhere to asphalt film, is puncture resistant, is capable of withstanding sample temperatures of up to 70 °C
[158 °F], is impermeable, and contains no air channels for evacuation of air from the bag. The bags shall have a minimum thickness
of 0.127 mm [0.005 in.] and maximum thickness of 0.178 mm [0.007 in.]. The apparent specific gravity for the bags shall be
The sole source of supply of the apparatus and the method known to the committee at this time is InstroTek, Inc., Raleigh, NC. If you are aware of alternative suppliers,
please provide this information to ASTM Headquarters. Your comments will receive careful consideration at a meeting of the responsible technical committee, which you
may attend.
D7063/D7063M − 18
...