ASTM D1074-17

Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of Asphalt Mixtures

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
3.1 The compressive strength of specimens prepared and tested by this test method along with density and voids properties are used for laboratory mix design of asphalt mixtures. One approach is described in ASTM STP 252.4  
3.1.1 This test method also describes the methods for molding, curing, and testing of specimens being evaluated by Test Method D1075.  
3.1.2 When used in conjunction with other mixture physical properties, the compressive strength may contribute to the overall mixture characterization and is one factor determining its suitability for use under given loading conditions and environment as a highway paving material.  
3.2 Typical values of minimum compressive strengths for design of asphalt mixtures by this test method for different traffic densities are given in Table 401-1 of the Standard Specifications for Construction of Roads and Bridges on Federal Highway Projects.3 Some state departments of transportation and federal agencies have specific requirements of their own based on their experience with this test method. The agencies should be consulted for their specific requirements if work is to meet their standards.  
3.3 Reheated mixtures are permissible in this test method, but the resulting compressive strengths will be higher than for newly prepared mixtures due to the change in the binder viscosity, an element of the compressive strength as measured under these loading conditions and temperature.5
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 suggest...
SCOPE
1.1 This test method provides a method for measuring the compressive strength of compacted asphalt mixtures. It is for use with specimens weighed, batched, mixed, and fabricated in the laboratory, as well as for mixtures manufactured in a hot-mix plant.  
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.  
1.3 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.  
1.4 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.  
1.5 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: 93.080.10 - Road construction
• Technical Committee: D04 - Road and Paving Materials
• Drafting Committee: D04.22 - Effect of Water and Other Elements on Asphalt Coated Aggregates

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D1074-09 - Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of Bituminous Mixtures
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2017
• 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 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 D3666-16 - Standard Specification for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Testing and Inspecting Road and Paving Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2016
• Refers: ASTM D4753-15 - Standard Guide for Evaluating, Selecting, and Specifying Balances and Standard Masses for Use in Soil, Rock, and Construction Materials Testing
• Effective Date: 01-May-2015
• Refers: ASTM E4-14 - Standard Practices for Force Verification of Testing Machines
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2014
• 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 C670-13 - Standard Practice for Preparing Precision and Bias Statements for Test Methods for Construction Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2013
• Refers: ASTM D2726-11 - Standard Test Method for Bulk Specific Gravity and Density of Non-Absorptive Compacted Bituminous Mixtures
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2011
• 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 D1075-11 - Standard Test Method for Effect of Water on Compressive Strength of Compacted Bituminous Mixtures (Withdrawn 2019)
• Effective Date: 15-Aug-2011
• Refers: ASTM E2251-11 - Standard Specification for Liquid-in-Glass ASTM Thermometers with Low-Hazard Precision Liquids
• Effective Date: 01-May-2011
• Refers: ASTM E2251-10 - Standard Specification for Liquid-in-Glass ASTM Thermometers with Low-Hazard Precision Liquids
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2010
• Refers: ASTM C670-10 - Standard Practice for Preparing Precision and Bias Statements for Test Methods for Construction Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2010

Overview

ASTM D1074-17: Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of Asphalt Mixtures is a key ASTM standard used to determine the compressive strength of compacted asphalt or bituminous mixtures. Applicable to specimens prepared in the laboratory or sourced from hot-mix plants, this method is essential for laboratory mix design of asphalt mixtures, contributing to the overall characterization and suitability assessment of asphalt used in highway paving and road construction.

The compressive strength, measured alongside properties such as density and air voids, offers valuable data for optimizing asphalt mix designs to meet specific loading and environmental requirements. This standard is broadly referenced by transportation agencies, civil engineering firms, and laboratories focused on road construction projects.

Key Topics

• Laboratory Mix Design: The compressive strength results, combined with density and voids characteristics, are crucial for designing asphalt mixtures that meet project specifications.
• Specimen Preparation: Detailed procedures for weighing, batching, mixing, molding, and curing specimens-critical for consistent and reliable testing results.
• Test Procedure: Outlines requirements for sample dimensions, molding, curing, and exact procedures for compressive loading, ensuring uniformity across different laboratories.
• Reheated Mixtures: Specifies that reheating asphalt mixtures is permissible, but users should note reheating can elevate compressive strength due to changes in binder viscosity.
• Quality Assurance: Highlights the importance of qualified personnel and properly calibrated equipment, recommending compliance with ASTM D3666 for agency capability.
• Results Reporting: Stipulates reporting requirements for compressive strength (in both psi and kPa), bulk specific gravity, theoretical maximum specific gravity, density, and percentage of air voids.

Applications

• Highway Paving Mix Evaluation: The primary use is in the development and assessment of asphalt mixtures to ensure they meet compressive strength standards for intended traffic loads and environmental conditions.
• Compliance with Government Specifications: Widely utilized to meet federal and state Department of Transportation (DOT) requirements. Specific compressive strength values for various traffic densities often follow referenced values in federal guidelines.
• Quality Control in Asphalt Production: Used by asphalt producers and contractors to verify and document that their mixes conform to specified compressive strength and material properties.
• Research and Development: Provides a consistent framework for comparing different asphalt mix designs within research, development, or institutional laboratories.

Related Standards

• ASTM D1075 – Test Method for Effect of Water on Compressive Strength of Compacted Bituminous Mixtures
• ASTM D3666 – Specification for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Testing and Inspecting Road and Paving Materials
• ASTM D2041 – Test Method for Theoretical Maximum Specific Gravity and Density of Bituminous Paving Mixtures
• ASTM D3203 – Test Method for Percent Air Voids in Compacted Dense and Open Bituminous Paving Mixtures
• Federal Highway Specifications – Standard Specifications for Construction of Roads and Bridges on Federal Highway Projects

Practical Value

Implementing ASTM D1074-17 helps ensure that asphalt paving materials possess adequate compressive strength for their intended use, directly impacting pavement longevity and safety. By providing a standardized approach to sample preparation and testing, this method supports industry-wide consistency and reliability in both mix design and routine quality control processes.

Organizations adopting this standard can expect to:

• Achieve compliance with regulatory and contract specifications
• Improve the durability and performance of asphalt pavements
• Enhance quality assurance for clients and stakeholders

This test method is integral to modern asphalt technology, supporting efficient, safe, and long-lasting pavement structures.

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: D1074 − 17
Standard Test Method for
Compressive Strength of Asphalt Mixtures
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D1074; 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 D75 Practice for Sampling Aggregates
D140 Practice for Sampling Bituminous Materials
1.1 This test method provides a method for measuring the
D979 Practice for Sampling Bituminous Paving Mixtures
compressive strength of compacted asphalt mixtures. It is for
D1075 Test Method for Effect of Water on Compressive
use with specimens weighed, batched, mixed, and fabricated in
Strength of Compacted Bituminous Mixtures
the laboratory, as well as for mixtures manufactured in a
D2041 Test Method for Theoretical Maximum Specific
hot-mix plant.
Gravity and Density of Bituminous Paving Mixtures
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
D2726 Test Method for Bulk Specific Gravity and Density
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
of Non-Absorptive Compacted Bituminous Mixtures
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
D3203 Test Method for Percent Air Voids in Compacted
and are not considered standard.
Dense and Open Bituminous Paving Mixtures
D3666 Specification for Minimum Requirements for Agen-
1.3 The text of this standard references notes and footnotes
which provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes cies Testing and Inspecting Road and Paving Materials
D4753 Guide for Evaluating, Selecting, and Specifying Bal-
(excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be considered
as requirements of the standard. ances and Standard Masses for Use in Soil, Rock, and
Construction Materials Testing
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
E4 Practices for Force Verification of Testing Machines
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
E2251 Specification for Liquid-in-Glass ASTM Thermom-
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
eters with Low-Hazard Precision Liquids
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
2.2 Federal Specification:
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
Standard Specifications for Construction of Roads and
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
Bridges on Federal Highway Projects
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
3. Significance and Use
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
3.1 The compressive strength of specimens prepared and
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
tested by this test method along with density and voids
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
properties are used for laboratory mix design of asphalt
2. Referenced Documents
mixtures. One approach is described in ASTM STP 252.
3.1.1 This test method also describes the methods for
2.1 ASTM Standards:
molding, curing, and testing of specimens being evaluated by
C136 Test Method for Sieve Analysis of Fine and Coarse
Test Method D1075.
Aggregates
3.1.2 When used in conjunction with other mixture physical
C670 Practice for Preparing Precision and Bias Statements
properties, the compressive strength may contribute to the
for Test Methods for Construction Materials
overall mixture characterization and is one factor determining
C702 PracticeforReducingSamplesofAggregatetoTesting
its suitability for use under given loading conditions and
Size
environment as a highway paving material.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D04 on Road 3.2 Typical values of minimum compressive strengths for
and Paving Materials and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D04.22 on
design of asphalt mixtures by this test method for different
Effect of Water and Other Elements on Asphalt Coated Aggregates.
Current edition approved April 1, 2017. Published April 2017. Originally
approved in 1949. Last previous edition approved in 2009 as D1074 – 09. DOI: “AsphalticConcreteMixRequirements,” Standard Specifications for Construc-
10.1520/D1074-17. tion of Roads and Bridges on Federal Highway Projects, Federal Highway
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or Administration, Washington, DC, 1996, p. 233.
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Goode, J. F., “Use of the Immersion-Compression Test in Evaluating and
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Designing Paving Mixtures,” Bituminous Paving Materials, STP 252, ASTM
the ASTM website. International, West Conshohocken, PA, 1959, pp. 113–129.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D1074 − 17
traffic densities are given in Table 401-1 of the Standard (2.5 mm)⁄min for 2-in. (50.8-mm) specimens to 0.4 in.
Specifications for Construction of Roads and Bridges on (10.2 mm)⁄min for 8-in. (203.2-mm) specimens. The testing
Federal Highway Projects. Some state departments of trans- machine shall conform to the requirements of Practices E4.
portation and federal agencies have specific requirements of The testing machine shall be equipped with two steel bearing
their own based on their experience with this test method. The
blocks with hardened faces, one of which is spherically seated
agencies should be consulted for their specific requirements if and the other plain. The spherically seated block shall be
work is to meet their standards.
mounted to bear on the upper surface of the test specimen and
the plain block shall rest on the platen of the testing machine
3.3 Reheated mixtures are permissible in this test method,
to form a seat for the specimen. The bearing faces of the plates
but the resulting compressive strengths will be higher than for
shall have a diameter slightly greater than that of the largest
newly prepared mixtures due to the change in the binder
specimens to be tested. The bearing faces, when new, shall not
viscosity, an element of the compressive strength as measured
depart from a true plane by more than 0.0005 in. (0.0127 mm)
under these loading conditions and temperature.
at any point and shall be maintained within a permissible
NOTE 1—The quality of the results produced by this standard are
dependent on the competence of the personnel performing the procedure variation limit of 0.001 in. (0.025 mm). In the spherically
and the capability, calibration, and maintenance of the equipment used.
seated block, the center of the sphere shall coincide with the
Agencies that meet the criteria of Specification D3666 are generally
center of the bearing face. The movable portion of this block
considered capable of competent and objective testing/sampling/
shall be held closely in the spherical seat, but the design shall
inspection, etc. Users of this standard are cautioned that compliance with
be such that the bearing face can be rotated freely and tilted
Specification D3666 alone does not completely ensure reliable results.
Reliable results depend on many factors; following the suggestions of
through small angles in any direction.
Specification D3666 or some similar acceptable guideline provides a
means of evaluating and controlling some of those factors. 4.4 Oven—The oven used in the preparation of materials or
reheating of mixtures shall be controllable within 65°F
4. Apparatus
(63 °C) of any specified temperature above ambient up to
392 °F (200 °C).
4.1 Molds and Plungers—The molds and plungers shall be
in accordance with the following:
4.5 Hot Plate—A small hot plate equipped with a rheostat
4.1.1 Diameter Tolerances—The mold shall have sufficient
shallbeprovidedforsupplyingsufficientheatunderthemixing
height to allow fabrication ofa4by4in. (101.6 by 101.6 mm)
bowl to maintain the aggregate and asphalt material at the
specimen. It shall have an inside diameter of 4.000 to 4.005 in.
desired temperature during mixing.
(101.60 to 101.73 mm) and a nominal thickness of ⁄4 in.
4.6 Hot Water Bath or Oven—A water bath or oven suffi-
(6.4 mm).
ciently large to hold three sets of 4-in. (101.6-mm) molds and
4.1.2 The plungers shall pass through the mold freely and
plungers. If the water bath does not have an internal tempera-
shall have a diameter within 0.050 in. (1.27 mm) of the mold
ture control, a hot plate of sufficient capacity with a control to
inside diameter. The plungers may be solid, hollow, or other
maintain the water bath at a temperature just under the boiling
structure so long as the ends are at least 0.50 in. (12.7 mm)
point will be required. The oven shall be capable of maintain-
thick and are at a right angle to the mold wall. The bottom
ing a temperature of between 200 to 275 °F (93.3 to 135 °C).
plunger shall be 2 6 ⁄8 in. (50 6 4 mm) high but the top
plunger may be any suitable height.
4.7 Air Bath—The air bath shall be capable of either manual
4.1.3 Specimens Other Than 4 by 4 in. (101.6 by
or automatic control for storing the specimens at 77 6 1.8 °F
101.6 mm)—Molds and plungers for fabricating these size
(25 6 0.5 °C) immediately prior to making the compression
specimens are allowed in accordance with Section 6.
test.
4.2 Supports—Temporary supports for specimen molds
4.8 Balance—Balances or scales and weights meeting the
shall consist of two steel bars, 1 6 ⁄8 in. (25.4 6 3.1 mm)
requirements of Guide D4753 shall be provided as appropriate
square and a minimum length of 3 in. (76.2 mm).
for the sample or ingredient mass.
4.3 Testing Machine—The testing machine must be of any
4.9 Mixing Machine—Mechanical mixing is preferable over
type of sufficient capacity that will provide a range of accu-
hand mixing. Any type of mixer may be used, provided it can
rately controllable rates of vertical deformation. Since the rate
be maintained at the required mixing temperature and will
of vertical deformation for the compression test is specified as
produce a well-coated, homogeneous mixture of the required
0.05 in./min·in. (0.05 mm/min·mm) of specimen height, and it
size in two minutes or less, and further provided that it is of
may be necessary to test specimens ranging in size from 2 by
such design that fouling of the blades will be minimized and
2 in. (50.8 by 50.8 mm) to perhaps 8 by 8 in. (203.2 by
each individual batch can be retrieved in essentially its entirety
203.2 mm) in order to maintain the specified minimum ratio of
including asphalt and fines. Hand mixing is allowable, if
specimen diameter to particle size, the testing machine should
necessary, but for hot mixtures the time required to obtain
have a range of controlled speeds covering at least 0.1 in.
satisfactory coating is often excessive and generally the test
results are less uniform than when machine mixing is em-
ployed.
Welborn, J. Y., Halstead, W. J., and Olsen, R. E., “Relation of Absolute
Viscosity of Asphalt Binders to Stability of Asphalt Mixtures,” Public Roads,
4.10 Spatulas—A flexible spatula for scraping the mixing
Volume 32, Federal Highway Administration, Washington, DC, 1963. (Also Sym-
posium on Fundamental Viscosity of Bituminous Materials, ASTM STP 328.) bowl and a stiff spatula for spading the specimen in the mold.
D1074 − 17
4.11 Thermometers—Calibrated liquid-in-glass thermom- contact with the bowl. The mixing shall be completed within
eters of suitable range with a readability of 1 °F (0.5 °C) 90 to 120 s, during which time the temperature should have
conformingtotherequirementsofSpecificationE2251shallbe dropped to about 5 to 9 °F (3 to 5 °C) above the compacting
used. (Thermometer ASTM No. S63F-03 or S63C-03, or temperature. If the counter top is metal, an insulator such as
equivalent.) Alternately, another electronic thermometer may paper may be used to reduce 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: D1074 − 09 D1074 − 17
Standard Test Method for
Compressive Strength of BituminousAsphalt Mixtures
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D1074; 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 provides a method for measuring the compressive strength of compacted bituminousasphalt mixtures. It
is for use with specimens weighed, batched, mixed, and fabricated in the laboratory, as well as for mixtures manufactured in a
hot-mix plant.
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.
1.3 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.
1.4 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.
1.5 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:
C136 Test Method for Sieve Analysis of Fine and Coarse Aggregates
C670 Practice for Preparing Precision and Bias Statements for Test Methods for Construction Materials
C702 Practice for Reducing Samples of Aggregate to Testing Size
D75 Practice for Sampling Aggregates
D140 Practice for Sampling Bituminous Materials
D979 Practice for Sampling Bituminous Paving Mixtures
D1075 Test Method for Effect of Water on Compressive Strength of Compacted Bituminous Mixtures
D2041 Test Method for Theoretical Maximum Specific Gravity and Density of Bituminous Paving Mixtures
D2726 Test Method for Bulk Specific Gravity and Density of Non-Absorptive Compacted Bituminous Mixtures
D3203 Test Method for Percent Air Voids in Compacted Dense and Open 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
E4 Practices for Force Verification of Testing Machines
E2251 Specification for Liquid-in-Glass ASTM Thermometers with Low-Hazard Precision Liquids
2.2 Federal Specification:
Standard Specifications for Construction of Roads and Bridges on Federal Highway Projects
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D04 on Road and Paving Materials and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D04.22 on Effect
of Water and Other Elements on Asphalt Coated Aggregates.
Current edition approved July 1, 2009April 1, 2017. Published August 2009April 2017. Originally approved in 1949. Last previous edition approved in 20022009 as
D1074 – 02.D1074 – 09. DOI: 10.1520/D1074-09.10.1520/D1074-17.
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.
“Asphaltic Concrete Mix Requirements,” Standard Specifications for Construction of Roads and Bridges on Federal Highway Projects,Projects1996, Federal Highway
Administration, Washington, DC, 199620590,, p. 233233.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D1074 − 17
3. Significance and Use
3.1 The compressive strength of specimens prepared and tested by this test method along with density and voids properties are
used for laboratory mix design of bituminousasphalt mixtures. One approach is described in ASTM STP 252.
3.1.1 This test method also describes the methods for molding, curing, and testing of specimens being evaluated by Test Method
D1075.
3.1.2 When used in conjunction with other mixture physical properties, the compressive strength may contribute to the overall
mixture characterization and is one factor determining its suitability for use under given loading conditions and environment as
a highway paving material.
3.2 Typical values of minimum compressive strengths for design of bituminousasphalt mixtures by this test method for different
traffic densities are given in Table 401-1 of the “StandardStandard Specifications for Construction of Roads and Bridges on Federal
Highway Projects.”Projects. Some state departments of transportation and federal agencies have specific requirements of their
own based on their experience with this test method. The agencies should be consulted for their specific requirements if work is
to meet their standards.
3.3 Reheated mixtures are permissible in this test method, but the resulting compressive strengths will be higher than for newly
prepared mixtures due to the change in the binder viscosity, an element of the compressive strength as measured under these
loading conditions and temperature.
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 Standard Practice Specification D3666 are generally
considered capable of competent and objective testing/sampling/inspection/etc. testing/sampling/inspection, etc. Users of this standard are cautioned that
compliance with Specification D3666 alone does not completely assureensure 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 Molds and Plungers—The molds and plungers shall be in accordance with the following:
4.1.1 Diameter Tolerances—The mold shall have sufficient height to allow fabrication of a 4 by 4 in. (101.6 by 101.6 mm)
specimen. It shall have an inside diameter of 4.000 to 4.005 in. (101.60 to 101.73 mm) and a nominal thickness of ⁄4 in. (6.4
mm).(6.4 mm).
4.1.2 The plungers shall pass through the mold freely and shall have a diameter within 0.050 in. (1.27 mm) of the mold inside
diameter. The plungers may be solid, hollow, or other structure so long as the ends are at least 0.50 in. (12.7 mm) thick and are
at a right angle to the mold wall. The bottom plunger shall be 2 6 ⁄8 in. (50 6 4 mm) high but the top plunger may be any suitable
height.
4.1.3 Specimens Other thanThan 4 by 4 in. (101.6 by 101.6 mm)—101.6 mm)—Molds and plungers for fabricating these size
specimens are allowed in accordance with Section 6.
4.2 Supports—Temporary supports for specimen molds shall consist of two steel bars, 1 6 ⁄8 in. (25.4 6 3.1 mm) square and
a minimum length of 3 in. (76.2 mm).
4.3 Testing Machine—The testing machine must be of any type of sufficient capacity that will provide a range of accurately
controllable rates of vertical deformation. Since the rate of vertical deformation for the compression test is specified as 0.05
in./min·in. (0.05 mm/min·mm) of specimen height, and it may be necessary to test specimens ranging in size from 2 by 2 in. (50.8
by 50.8 mm) to perhaps 8 by 8 in. (203.2 by 203.2 mm) 203.2 mm) in order to maintain the specified minimum ratio of specimen
diameter to particle size, the testing machine should have a range of controlled speeds covering at least 0.1 in. (2.5(2.5 mm)
mm)/min ⁄min for 2-in. (50.8-mm) specimens to 0.4 in. (10.2(10.2 mm) mm)/min ⁄min for 8-in. (203.2-mm) specimens. The testing
machine shall conform to the requirements of PracticePractices E4. The testing machine shall be equipped with two steel bearing
blocks with hardened faces, one of which is spherically seated and the other plain. The spherically seated block shall be mounted
to bear on the upper surface of the test specimen and the plain block shall rest on the platen of the testing machine to form a seat
for the specimen. The bearing faces of the plates shall have a diameter slightly greater than that of the largest specimens to be
tested. The bearing faces, when new, shall not depart from a true plane by more than 0.0005 in. (0.0127 mm) at any point and shall
be maintained within a permissible variation limit of 0.001 in. (0.025 mm). In the spherically seated block, the center of the sphere
shall coincide with the center of the bearing face. The movable portion of this block shall be held closely in the spherical seat, but
the design shall be such that the bearing face can be rotated freely and tilted through small angles in any direction.
4.4 Oven—The oven used in the preparation of materials or reheating of mixtures shall be controllable within 65°F
(63°C)65 °F (63 °C) of any specified temperature above ambient up to 392°F (200°C).392 °F (200 °C).
Goode, J. F., “Use of the Immersion-Compression Test in Evaluating and Designing Paving Mixtures,” ASTM STP 252Bituminous Paving Materials, STP 252, ASTM
International, West Conshohocken, PA, 1959, pp. 113–129.
Welborn, J. Y., Halstead, W. J., and Olsen, R. E., “Relation of Absolute Viscosity of Asphalt Binders to Stability of Asphalt Mixtures,” Public RoadsPublic Roads, Volume
32, Vol.Federal 32, No. 6, FebruaryHighway Administration, Washington, DC, 1963, FHWA, Washington, DC. . (Also Symposium on Fundamental Viscosity of Bituminous
Materials“Symposium on Fundamental Viscosity of Bituminous Materials” , ASTM STP No. 328.328.)
D1074 − 17
4.5 Hot Plate—A small hot plate equipped with a rheostat shall be provided for supplying sufficient heat under the mixing bowl
to maintain the aggregate and bituminousasphalt material at the desired temperature during mixing.
4.6 Hot Water Bath or Oven—A water bath or oven sufficiently large to hold three sets of 4-in. (101.6-mm) molds and plungers.
If the water bath does not have an internal temperature control, a hot plate of sufficient capacity with a control to maintain the water
bath at a temperature just under the boiling point will be required. The oven shall be capable of maintaining a temperature of
between 200 to 275°F275 °F (93.3 to 135°C).135 °C).
4.7 Air Bath—The air bath shall be capable of either manual or automatic control for storing the specimens at 77 6 1.8°F1.8 °F
(25 6 0.5°C)0.5 °C) immediately prior to making the compression test.
4.8 Balance—Balances or scales and weights meeting the requirements of SpecificationGuide D4753 shall be provided as
appropriate for the sample or ingredient mass.
4.9 Mixing Machine—Mechanical mixing is preferable over hand-mixing. hand mixing. Any type of mixer may be used,
provided it can be maintained at the required mixing temperature and will produce a well-coated, homogeneous mixture of the
required size in two minutes or less, and further provided that it is of such design that fouling of the blades will be minimized and
each individual batch can be retrieved in essentially its entirety including asphalt and fines. Hand-mixing Hand mixing is
allowable, if necessary, but for hot mixtures the time required to obtain satisfactory coating is often excessive and generally the
test results are less uniform than when machine mixing is employed.
4.10 Spatulas—A flexible spatula for scraping the mixing bowl and a stiff spatula for spading the specimen in the mold.
4.11 Thermometers—Calibrated liquid-in-glass thermometers of suitable range with a readability of 1°F (0.5°C) conform1 °F
(0.5 °C) conforming to the requirements of specificationSpecification E2251 shall be used. (Thermometer ASTM No. S63F-03 or
S63C-03, or equivalent).equivalent.) Alternately, another electronic thermometer may be used, for example resistance thermometer
(RTD, PRT, IPRT) of equal or better accuracy.
5. Prepa
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