ASTM D3203-22
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Percent Air Voids in Compacted Asphalt Mixtures
Standard Test Method for Percent Air Voids in Compacted Asphalt Mixtures
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 The percent of air voids in an asphalt mixture is used as one of the criteria in the design methods and for evaluation of the compaction imparted in asphalt paving projects.
Note 1: The text of this test method 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 test method.
Note 2: The quality of the results produced by this standard are dependent on the competence of the personnel performing the procedure and the capability, calibration, and maintenance of the equipment used. Agencies that meet the criteria of Specification D3666 are generally considered capable of competent and objective testing, sampling, inspection, etc. Users of this standard are cautioned that compliance with Specification D3666 alone does not completely ensure reliable results. Reliable results depend on many factors; following the suggestions of Specification D3666 or some similar acceptable guideline provides a means of evaluating and controlling some of those factors.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers determination of the percent air voids in compacted asphalt mixtures.
1.2 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
General Information
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 31-Oct-2022
- Technical Committee
- D04 - Road and Paving Materials
- Drafting Committee
- D04.21 - Specific Gravity and Density of Asphalt Mixtures
Relations
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2023
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2023
- Effective Date
- 01-Aug-2019
- Effective Date
- 01-Jun-2019
- Effective Date
- 15-Dec-2018
- Effective Date
- 15-Aug-2018
- Effective Date
- 15-Aug-2018
- Effective Date
- 15-Aug-2018
- Effective Date
- 01-Jul-2018
- Effective Date
- 01-Feb-2018
- Effective Date
- 01-Oct-2017
- Effective Date
- 15-Jul-2017
- Effective Date
- 15-Jun-2017
- Effective Date
- 01-Jun-2017
- Effective Date
- 01-Jun-2017
Overview
ASTM D3203-22, titled Standard Test Method for Percent Air Voids in Compacted Asphalt Mixtures, is a widely recognized standard developed by ASTM International. This test method details the procedures necessary to determine the percentage of air voids in compacted asphalt mixtures, a critical factor in pavement design, construction, and quality control. The percent of air voids present in an asphalt sample directly influences the durability, strength, and longevity of pavement structures. By adhering to standardized procedures, professionals ensure the reliability and comparability of test results across projects and laboratories.
Key Topics
- Purpose: To provide a reliable method for quantifying the air void content in compacted asphalt mixtures.
- Air Voids Definition: Air voids are the small pockets of air trapped between aggregate particles coated in bitumen within the compacted asphalt.
- Dense mixtures have less than 10% air voids.
- Open mixtures have 10% or more air voids.
- Test Applicability:
- Suitable for both laboratory-molded specimens and field-extracted cores.
- Uses only SI units for all measurements.
- Significance:
- Air void content is a key parameter for assessing pavement compaction and performance.
- Critical for pavement design, as inappropriate air void levels can lead to premature pavement failure, reduced lifespan, or structural issues.
- Test Process:
- Determine bulk specific gravity using referenced ASTM methods for dense mixtures.
- For open mixtures, calculate density and specific gravity based on measured mass and volume.
- Theoretical maximum specific gravity is determined separately.
- The percent air voids are calculated as:
Percent air voids = 100 × (1 – bulk specific gravity / theoretical maximum specific gravity)
- Quality Considerations:
- Reliable results depend on skilled personnel, properly calibrated equipment, and accredited laboratories (see ASTM D3666 for agency qualifications).
Applications
- Pavement Design and Construction:
- Employed as a standard quality control measure during the construction of roads, highways, and airport runways.
- Used to check compliance with project specifications for asphalt compaction.
- Laboratory Evaluation:
- Essential during mix design development to optimize material performance.
- Helps determine the most effective compaction techniques and asphalt compositions.
- Field Performance Assessment:
- Provides insights into pavement durability and potential for water damage or structural degradation.
- Used for forensic evaluation in cases of pavement failures.
- Regulatory Compliance:
- Referenced by government agencies and infrastructure projects to meet construction standards and specifications.
Related Standards
- ASTM D8 – Terminology Relating to Materials for Roads and Pavements
- ASTM D1188/D1188M – Test Method for Bulk Specific Gravity and Density of Compacted Asphalt Mixtures Using Coated Samples
- ASTM D2041/D2041M – Test Method for Theoretical Maximum Specific Gravity and Density of Asphalt Mixtures
- ASTM D2726/D2726M – Test Method for Bulk Specific Gravity and Density of Non-Absorptive Compacted Asphalt Mixtures
- ASTM D3549/D3549M – Test Method for Thickness or Height of Compacted Asphalt Mixture Specimens
- ASTM D3666 – Specification for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Testing and Inspecting Road and Paving Materials
- ASTM D6752/D6752M – Test Method for Bulk Specific Gravity and Density of Compacted Asphalt Mixtures Using Automatic Vacuum Sealing Method
- ASTM D6857/D6857M – Test Method for Maximum Specific Gravity and Density of Asphalt Mixtures Using Automatic Vacuum Sealing Method
- ASTM D4460 – Practice for Calculating Precision Limits
Practical Value
ASTM D3203-22 delivers a clear, standardized method to assess one of the most important aspects in asphalt pavement quality-air void content. Adopting this standard supports durability, safety, and regulatory compliance in modern pavement engineering. Through standardized testing, industry professionals ensure consistent, high-quality results that form the basis for sound engineering decisions and robust pavement structures.
Buy Documents
ASTM D3203-22 - Standard Test Method for Percent Air Voids in Compacted Asphalt Mixtures
REDLINE ASTM D3203-22 - Standard Test Method for Percent Air Voids in Compacted Asphalt Mixtures
Get Certified
Connect with accredited certification bodies for this standard
Zavod za gradbeništvo Slovenije (ZAG) - Inšpekcija
ZAG inspection body for construction products, structures, and materials.
Sponsored listings
Frequently Asked Questions
ASTM D3203-22 is a standard published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Test Method for Percent Air Voids in Compacted Asphalt Mixtures". This standard covers: SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 4.1 The percent of air voids in an asphalt mixture is used as one of the criteria in the design methods and for evaluation of the compaction imparted in asphalt paving projects. Note 1: The text of this test method 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 test method. Note 2: The quality of the results produced by this standard are dependent on the competence of the personnel performing the procedure and the capability, calibration, and maintenance of the equipment used. Agencies that meet the criteria of Specification D3666 are generally considered capable of competent and objective testing, sampling, inspection, etc. Users of this standard are cautioned that compliance with Specification D3666 alone does not completely ensure reliable results. Reliable results depend on many factors; following the suggestions of Specification D3666 or some similar acceptable guideline provides a means of evaluating and controlling some of those factors. SCOPE 1.1 This test method covers determination of the percent air voids in compacted asphalt mixtures. 1.2 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard. 1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 4.1 The percent of air voids in an asphalt mixture is used as one of the criteria in the design methods and for evaluation of the compaction imparted in asphalt paving projects. Note 1: The text of this test method 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 test method. Note 2: The quality of the results produced by this standard are dependent on the competence of the personnel performing the procedure and the capability, calibration, and maintenance of the equipment used. Agencies that meet the criteria of Specification D3666 are generally considered capable of competent and objective testing, sampling, inspection, etc. Users of this standard are cautioned that compliance with Specification D3666 alone does not completely ensure reliable results. Reliable results depend on many factors; following the suggestions of Specification D3666 or some similar acceptable guideline provides a means of evaluating and controlling some of those factors. SCOPE 1.1 This test method covers determination of the percent air voids in compacted asphalt mixtures. 1.2 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard. 1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
ASTM D3203-22 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 93.080.20 - Road construction materials. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
ASTM D3203-22 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM D6857/D6857M-23, ASTM D6752/D6752M-23, ASTM D8-19, ASTM D2041/D2041M-19, ASTM D8-18c, ASTM D6857/D6857M-18, ASTM D6752/D6752M-18, ASTM D8-18b, ASTM D8-18a, ASTM D8-18, ASTM D3549/D3549M-17, ASTM D8-17c, ASTM D8-17b, ASTM D6857/D6857M-17, ASTM D6752/D6752M-17. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
ASTM D3203-22 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
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: D3203 − 22
Standard Test Method for
Percent Air Voids in Compacted Asphalt Mixtures
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D3203; 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 D4460 Practice for Calculating Precision Limits Where
Values Are Calculated from Other Test Methods
1.1 This test method covers determination of the percent air
D6752/D6752M Test Method for Bulk Specific Gravity and
voids in compacted asphalt mixtures.
Density of CompactedAsphalt Mixtures UsingAutomatic
1.2 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded
Vacuum Sealing Method
as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
D6857/D6857M Test Method for Maximum Specific Grav-
standard.
ity and Density of Asphalt Mixtures Using Automatic
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the Vacuum Sealing Method
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
3. Terminology
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
3.1 Definitions:
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
3.1.1 dense asphalt mixtures—asphalt mixtures in which the
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
air voids are less than 10 % when compacted.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
3.1.2 open asphalt mixtures—asphalt mixtures in which the
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
air voids are 10 % or more when compacted.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
3.1.2.1 Discussion—For borderline cases, an asphalt mix-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
ture shall be designated an open asphalt mixture if the
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
calculated percent air voids, based on either 6.1 or 6.2,is10%
or more.
2. Referenced Documents
3.2 For definitions of other terms used in this test method,
2.1 ASTM Standards:
refer to Terminology D8.
D8 Terminology Relating to Materials for Roads and Pave-
ments
4. Significance and Use
D1188/D1188M Test Method for Bulk Specific Gravity and
4.1 The percent of air voids in an asphalt mixture is used as
Density of Compacted Asphalt Mixtures Using Coated
one of the criteria in the design methods and for evaluation of
Samples
the compaction imparted in asphalt paving projects.
D2041/D2041M Test Method for Theoretical Maximum
Specific Gravity and Density of Asphalt Mixtures
NOTE 1—The text of this test method references notes and footnotes
D2726/D2726M Test Method for Bulk Specific Gravity and
which provide explanatory material.These notes and footnotes (excluding
those in tables and figures) shall not be considered as requirements of the
Density of Non-Absorptive Compacted Asphalt Mixtures
test method.
D3549/D3549M Test Method for Thickness or Height of
NOTE 2—The quality of the results produced by this standard are
Compacted Asphalt Mixture Specimens
dependent on the competence of the personnel performing the procedure
D3666 Specification for Minimum Requirements for Agen-
and the capability, calibration, and maintenance of the equipment used.
cies Testing and Inspecting Road and Paving Materials 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.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D04 on Road
Reliable results depend on many factors; following the suggestions of
and Paving Materials and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D04.21 on
Specification D3666 or some similar acceptable guideline provides a
Specific Gravity and Density of Asphalt Mixtures.
means of evaluating and controlling some of those factors.
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2022. Published November 2022. Originally
approved in 1973. Last previous edition approved in 2017 as D3203/D3203M – 17.
5. Sampling
DOI: 10.1520/D3203-22.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
5.1 Samples for testing shall consist of specimens from
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
laboratory-molded mixtures or cores from field-compacted
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. mixtures.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D3203 − 22
6. Pro
...
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: D3203/D3203M − 17 D3203 − 22
Standard Test Method for
Percent Air Voids in Compacted Asphalt Mixtures
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D3203/D3203M;D3203; 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 determination of the percent air voids in compacted asphalt mixtures.
1.2 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
standard.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety safety, health, and healthenvironmental practices and determine the
applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D8 Terminology Relating to Materials for Roads and Pavements
D1188D1188/D1188M Test Method for Bulk Specific Gravity and Density of Compacted Asphalt Mixtures Using Coated
Samples
D2041D2041/D2041M Test Method for Theoretical Maximum Specific Gravity and Density of Asphalt Mixtures
D2726D2726/D2726M Test Method for Bulk Specific Gravity and Density of Non-Absorptive Compacted Asphalt Mixtures
D3549D3549/D3549M Test Method for Thickness or Height of Compacted Asphalt Mixture Specimens
D3666 Specification for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Testing and Inspecting Road and Paving Materials
D4460 Practice for Calculating Precision Limits Where Values Are Calculated from Other Test Methods
D6752D6752/D6752M Test Method for Bulk Specific Gravity and Density of Compacted Asphalt Mixtures Using Automatic
Vacuum Sealing Method
D6857D6857/D6857M Test Method for Maximum Specific Gravity and Density of Asphalt Mixtures Using Automatic Vacuum
Sealing Method
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 air voids—the pockets of air between the bitumen-coated aggregate particles in a compacted asphalt mixture.
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 April 1, 2017Nov. 1, 2022. Published April 2017November 2022. Originally approved in 1973. Last previous edition approved in 20112017 as
D3203/D3203M – 11.D3203/D3203M – 17. DOI: 10.1520/D3203_D3203M-17.10.1520/D3203-22.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. 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
D3203 − 22
3.1.1 dense asphalt mixtures—asphalt mixtures in which the air voids are less than 10 % when compacted.
3.1.2 open asphalt mixtures—asphalt mixtures in which the air voids are 10 % or more when compacted.
3.1.2.1 Discussion—
For borderline cases, an asphalt mixture shall be designated an open asphalt mixture if the calculated percent air voids, based on
either 6.1 or 6.2, is 10 % or more.
3.2 For definitions of other terms used in this test method, refer to Terminology D8.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 The percent of air voids in an asphalt mixture is used as one of the criteria in the design methods and for evaluation of the
compaction imparted in asphalt paving projects.
NOTE 1—The text of this test method 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 test method.
NOTE 2—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, 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.
5. Sampling
5.1 Samples for testing shall consist of specimens from laboratory-molded mixtures or cores from field-compacted mixtures.
6. Procedure
6.1 For dense asphalt mixtures, determine the bulk specific gravity of the compacted mixture by Test Method D1188D1188/
D1188M, by Test Method D2726D2726/D2726M, or by Test Method D6752D6752/D6752M.
6.2 For open asp
...
Questions, Comments and Discussion
Ask us and Technical Secretary will try to provide an answer. You can facilitate discussion about the standard in here.
Loading comments...