ASTM D2940/D2940M-20

Standard Specification for Graded Aggregate Material for Bases or Subbases for Highways or Airports

ABSTRACT
This specification covers quality-controlled graded aggregates that, when hauled to and properly spread and compacted on a prepared grade to appropriate density standards, may be expected to provide adequate stability and load support for use as highway or airport bases or subbases. Coarse aggregate retained on the sieve shall consist of durable particles of crushed stone, gravel, or slag capable of withstanding the effects of handling, spreading, and compacting without degradation productive of deleterious fines. Fine aggregate passing through the sieve shall normally consist of fines from the operation of crushing the coarse aggregate. Where available and suitable, addition of natural sand or finer mineral matter, or both, is not prohibited. The following tests shall be performed: grain-size test (dry and wet sieving), liquid limit test, plastic limit test, plasticity index test, sand equivalent value test, and expansion test.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers quality-controlled graded aggregates that, when hauled to and properly spread and compacted on a prepared grade to appropriate density standards, may be expected to provide adequate stability and load support for use as highway or airport bases or subbases.  
Note 1: The engineer is cautioned to provide appropriate construction specifications to ensure compaction to an extent that further densification from traffic loadings on the completed pavement will be insignificant. The method suggested is to require compaction on a firm foundation of a short control strip of the material at a suitable moisture content, by means of vibratory or other proven effective rollers or tampers, until no further increase in density results. Compaction requirements should ensure that an average density of certain appropriate percentages of the control strip maximum density be achieved on the balance of the job; for base courses, 98 % is suggested as the minimum average requirement.  
1.2 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.  
1.3 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, health, and environmental 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: 30-Apr-2020
• ICS: 93.080.10 - Road construction
• ICS: 93.080.20 - Road construction materials
• ICS: 93.120 - Construction of airports
• Technical Committee: D04 - Road and Paving Materials
• Drafting Committee: D04.50 - Aggregate Specifications

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D2940/D2940M-15 - Standard Specification for Graded Aggregate Material For Bases or Subbases for Highways or Airports
• Effective Date: 01-May-2020
• Refers: ASTM C117-23 - Standard Test Method for Materials Finer than 75-μm (No. 200) Sieve in Mineral Aggregates by Washing
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-2023
• Refers: ASTM D75/D75M-19 - Standard Practice for Sampling Aggregates
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2019
• Refers: ASTM D8-19 - Standard Terminology Relating to Materials for Roads and Pavements
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2019
• Refers: ASTM D4792/D4792M-13(2019) - Standard Test Method for Potential Expansion of Aggregates from Hydration Reactions
• Effective Date: 15-Feb-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 D4318-17e1 - Standard Test Methods for Liquid Limit, Plastic Limit, and Plasticity Index of Soils
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2017
• Refers: ASTM D4318-17 - Standard Test Methods for Liquid Limit, Plastic Limit, and Plasticity Index of Soils
• Effective Date: 01-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

Overview

ASTM D2940/D2940M-20 is the internationally recognized standard specification developed by ASTM International for graded aggregate materials used as bases or subbases in highways and airports. This standard outlines requirements for the quality, composition, and performance of aggregate materials to ensure adequate stability and load support when compacted to specified density standards. Its guidance helps engineers, contractors, and agencies ensure high quality and durability in road and pavement construction projects.

Key Topics

• Material Composition

  • Specifies that coarse aggregate must consist of durable particles (crushed stone, gravel, or slag) capable of withstanding handling, spreading, and compaction without excessive degradation.
  • Fine aggregate should mainly be fines from crushed coarse aggregate, but the addition of natural sand or finer mineral matter is permitted if suitable.

• Grading Requirements

  • The gradation of the mixture must conform to a job mix formula within preset design limits. Fine and coarse aggregate portions are defined by sieve size ranges to ensure performance and compaction properties.
  • The final mixture must comply with specified liquid limit, plasticity index, and sand equivalent values for durability and stability.

• Quality and Performance Testing

  • Required tests include:
    • Grain-size analysis (by both dry and wet sieving)
    • Liquid limit and plastic limit
    • Plasticity index
    • Sand equivalent value
    • Expansion testing for components subject to hydration (like steel slag)
    • Determination of fractured particles

• Sampling and Acceptance

  • Guidelines for sampling aggregates by lot or batch, and for frequency of tests, ensure consistent quality control throughout production and construction phases.

• Compaction Guidance

  • Recommends construction specifications to ensure sufficient compaction, generally targeting a minimum of 98% of control strip maximum density for base courses to avoid further densification under traffic loads.

Applications

The ASTM D2940/D2940M-20 standard is directly applicable to:

• Highway Construction: Defines the required properties for base and subbase materials, contributing to the longevity and performance of pavements by providing a stable foundation.
• Airport Runways and Taxiways: Ensures that graded aggregate materials meet the stringent requirements for load-bearing capacity and compaction necessary for heavy aircraft operations.
• Transportation Infrastructure Upgrades: Key during widening, rehabilitation, or reconstruction projects where new base or subbase layers are laid beneath pavement structures.

Adherence to this standard helps prevent premature pavement failure, reduces maintenance needs, and promotes safety and reliability for road and airport users.

Related Standards

Projects using ASTM D2940/D2940M-20 often reference additional ASTM standards to ensure comprehensive quality control and testing, including:

• ASTM C117: Test Method for Materials Finer than 75-μm (No. 200) Sieve in Mineral Aggregates by Washing
• ASTM C136/C136M: Test Method for Sieve Analysis of Fine and Coarse Aggregates
• ASTM D75/D75M: Practice for Sampling Aggregates
• ASTM D2419: Test Method for Sand Equivalent Value of Soils and Fine Aggregate
• ASTM D4318: Test Methods for Liquid Limit, Plastic Limit, and Plasticity Index of Soils
• ASTM D4792/D4792M: Test Method for Potential Expansion of Aggregates from Hydration Reactions
• ASTM D5821: Test Method for Determining the Percentage of Fractured Particles in Coarse Aggregate
• ASTM D7928: Test Method for Particle-Size Distribution of Fine-Grained Soils Using the Sedimentation (Hydrometer) Analysis

Utilizing these interconnected standards ensures that aggregate materials used in bases and subbases meet all relevant criteria for quality and performance as required for modern roadway and airport construction.

Keywords: ASTM D2940, graded aggregate, base material, subbase material, highway construction, airport base standards, aggregate testing, compaction, road base specification.

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:D2940/D2940M −20
Standard Specification for
Graded Aggregate Material for Bases or Subbases for
Highways or Airports
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D2940/D2940M; 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.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope* mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
1.1 This specification covers quality-controlled graded ag-
gregates that, when hauled to and properly spread and com-
2. Referenced Documents
pacted on a prepared grade to appropriate density standards,
2.1 ASTM Standards:
may be expected to provide adequate stability and load support
C117 Test Method for Materials Finer than 75-µm (No. 200)
for use as highway or airport bases or subbases.
Sieve in Mineral Aggregates by Washing
NOTE 1—The engineer is cautioned to provide appropriate construction
C136/C136M Test Method for Sieve Analysis of Fine and
specifications to ensure compaction to an extent that further densification
Coarse Aggregates
from traffic loadings on the completed pavement will be insignificant.The
D8 Terminology Relating to Materials for Roads and Pave-
method suggested is to require compaction on a firm foundation of a short
control strip of the material at a suitable moisture content, by means of
ments
vibratory or other proven effective rollers or tampers, until no further
D75/D75M Practice for Sampling Aggregates
increaseindensityresults.Compactionrequirementsshouldensurethatan
D2419 Test Method for Sand Equivalent Value of Soils and
average density of certain appropriate percentages of the control strip
Fine Aggregate
maximum density be achieved on the balance of the job; for base courses,
98 % is suggested as the minimum average requirement. D4318 Test Methods for Liquid Limit, Plastic Limit, and
Plasticity Index of Soils
1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units
D4792/D4792M Test Method for Potential Expansion of
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in
Aggregates from Hydration Reactions
each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each
D5821 Test Method for Determining the Percentage of
system shall be used independently of the other. Combining
Fractured Particles in Coarse Aggregate
values from the two systems may result in nonconformance
D7928 Test Method for Particle-Size Distribution (Grada-
with the standard.
tion) of Fine-Grained Soils Using the Sedimentation
1.3 The text of this standard references notes and footnotes
(Hydrometer) Analysis
which provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes
E105 Practice for Probability Sampling of Materials
(excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be considered
E122 Practice for Calculating Sample Size to Estimate,With
as requirements of the standard.
Specified Precision, the Average for a Characteristic of a
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
Lot or Process
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 For definitions of terms used in this standard, see
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
Terminology D8.
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
4. General Requirements
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
4.1 Coarse aggregate retained on the 4.75-mm (No. 4) sieve
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
shall consist of durable particles of crushed stone, gravel, or
slag capable of withstanding the effects of handling, spreading,
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D04 on Road
and Paving Materials and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D04.50 on
Aggregate Specifications. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved May 1, 2020. Published May 2020. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 1971. Last previous edition approved in 2015 as D2940/D2940M – 15. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
DOI: 10.1520/D2940_D2940M-20. the ASTM website.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D2940/D2940M−20
nearest grading limit of the design range.
and compacting without degradation productive of deleterious
fines. Of the particles which are retained on a 9.5-mm ( ⁄8-in.)
4.4 Aggregates that contain components subject to
sieve, at least 75 % shall have two or more fractured faces.
hydration, such as steel slags, shall be obtained from sources
approved by the engineer on the basis of either a satisfactory
NOTE 2—No standard ASTM method is recognized to be capable of
performance record, or of aging or other treatment known to
measuring the quality, or tendency of coarse aggregate to degrade to the
extent that deleterious fines may be produced. Some local jurisdictions
reduce potential expansion to a satisfactory level, or of
have developed tests believed to be of value in this respect. The purchaser
expansion values not greater than 0.50 % when tested in
ofmaterialunderthisspecificationisadvisedtoinvestigatetheavailability
accordance with Test Method D4792/D4792M.
and reliability of such tests in order to specify quality requirements
appropriate to the local area.
5. Sampling
4.1.1 The fractured particle requirement of 4.1 is modified
5.1 Sample each unit, or batch selected, to be tested for
whenspecifiedinthecontractdocuments,providingfortheuse
compliance with the above requirements in accordance with
of another method for measuring interparticle friction which
Practice D75/D75M.Abatch sh
...

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: D2940/D2940M − 15 D2940/D2940M − 20
Standard Specification for
Graded Aggregate Material Forfor Bases or Subbases for
Highways or Airports
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D2940/D2940M; 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.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope Scope*
1.1 This specification covers quality-controlled graded aggregates that, when hauled to and properly spread and compacted on
a prepared grade to appropriate density standards, may be expected to provide adequate stability and load support for use as
highway or airport bases or subbases.
NOTE 1—The engineer is cautioned to provide appropriate construction specifications to ensure compaction to an extent that further densification from
traffic loadings on the completed pavement will be insignificant. The method suggested is to require compaction on a firm foundation of a short control
strip of the material at a suitable moisture content, by means of vibratory or other proven effective rollers or tampers, until no further increase in density
results. Compaction requirements should ensure that an average density of certain appropriate percentages of the control strip maximum density be
achieved on the balance of the job; for base courses, 98%98 % is suggested as the minimum average requirement.
1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each
system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the
two systems may result in non-conformancenonconformance with the 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 safety, health, and healthenvironmental 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:
C117 Test Method for Materials Finer than 75-μm (No. 200) Sieve in Mineral Aggregates by Washing
C136C136/C136M Test Method for Sieve Analysis of Fine and Coarse Aggregates
D75D8 Practice for Sampling AggregatesTerminology Relating to Materials for Roads and Pavements
D422D75/D75M Test Method for Particle-Size Analysis of SoilsPractice for Sampling Aggregates (Withdrawn 2016)
D2419 Test Method for Sand Equivalent Value of Soils and Fine Aggregate
D4318 Test Methods for Liquid Limit, Plastic Limit, and Plasticity Index of Soils
D4792D4792/D4792M Test Method for Potential Expansion of Aggregates from Hydration Reactions
D5821 Test Method for Determining the Percentage of Fractured Particles in Coarse Aggregate
D7928 Test Method for Particle-Size Distribution (Gradation) of Fine-Grained Soils Using the Sedimentation (Hydrometer)
Analysis
E105 Practice for Probability Sampling of Materials
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D04 on Road and Paving Materials and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D04.50 on Aggregate
Specifications.
Current edition approved June 1, 2015May 1, 2020. Published July 2015May 2020. Originally approved in 1971. Last previous edition approved in 20092015 as
D2940/D2940M – 09.D2940/D2940M – 15. DOI: 10.1520/D2940_D2940M-15.10.1520/D2940_D2940M-20.
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.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D2940/D2940M − 20
E122 Practice for Calculating Sample Size to Estimate, With Specified Precision, the Average for a Characteristic of a Lot or
Process
3. Terminology
3.1 For definitions of terms used in this standard, see Terminology D8.
4. General Requirements
4.1 Coarse aggregate retained on the 4.75-mm (No. 4) sieve shall consist of durable particles of crushed stone, gravel, or slag
capable of withstanding the effects of handling, spreading, and compacting without degradation productive of deleterious fines. Of
the particles which are retained on a 9.5-mm [( ⁄8-in.]-in.) sieve, at least 75%75 % shall have two or more fractured faces.
NOTE 2—No standard ASTM method is recognized to be capable of measuring the quality, or tendency of coarse aggregate to degrade to the extent
that deleterious fines may be produced. Some local jurisdictions have developed tests believed to be of value in this respect. The purchaser of material
under this specification is advised to investigate the availability and reliability of such tests in order to specify quality requirements appropriate to the
local area.
4.1.1 The fractured particle requirement of 3.14.1 is modified when specified in the contract documents, providing for the use
of another method for measuring interparticle friction which has been correlated with good field performance.
4.2 Fine aggregate passing the 4.75-mm (No. 4) sieve shall normally consist of fines from the operation of crushing the coarse
aggregate. Where available and suitable, addition of natural sand or finer mineral matter, or both, is not prohibited. The fraction
of the final mixture that passes the 75-μm (No. 200) sieve shall not exceed 60 % of the fraction passing the 600-μm (No. 30) sieve.
The fraction passing the 425-μm (No. 40) sieve shall have a liquid limit no greater than 25 and shall have a plasticity index no
greater than 4. The sand equivalent value of the fine aggregate shall be no lower than 35.
4.2.1 For material to be used as a
...