ASTM D3549/D3549M-18(2023)

Standard Test Method for Thickness or Height of Compacted Asphalt Mixture Specimens

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 The thickness of a compacted asphalt mixture is often used as a construction check to ensure that the proper quantity of materials has been placed on a project, and to correct strength measurement on constant diameter specimens with varying heights.
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 thickness (or height) of compacted asphalt mixture specimens.  
1.2 Units—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.  
1.2.1 Section 7.4 specifies SI units because they are the units used in the equations for Test Methods D1188/D1188M and D2726/D2726M. Performing calculations without first converting any measurements made in inch-pound units to SI units in 7.4 will result in nonconformance with the 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: 30-Apr-2023
• ICS: 91.100.50 - Binders. Sealing materials
• 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

• 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 D2726/D2726M-17 - Standard Test Method for Bulk Specific Gravity and Density of Non-Absorptive Compacted Asphalt Mixtures
• 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
• 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
• Refers: ASTM D8-15 - Standard Terminology Relating to Materials for Roads and Pavements
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2015

Overview

ASTM D3549/D3549M-18(2023) is an internationally recognized standard published by ASTM International, outlining the test method for determining the thickness or height of compacted asphalt mixture specimens. This procedure is vital for construction quality control in road and paving materials, ensuring that asphalt mixtures meet specified thickness requirements. The standard provides clear methodologies for both direct measurement and volumetric calculation of thickness, supporting reliable project delivery and quality assurance in asphalt pavement construction.

Key Topics

• Thickness Measurement Methods:
  The standard specifies two primary approaches for measuring the thickness of compacted asphalt specimens:

  • Direct measurement using tapes, rules, calipers, or measurement jigs.
  • Calculation based on specimen volume and cross-sectional area, utilizing the bulk specific gravity methods.

• Applicability to Laboratory and Field Specimens:
  Specimens can be sourced from laboratory compacted samples or cores extracted from in-place pavements.

• Unit System Clarity:
  The standard permits the use of either SI or inch-pound units, but emphasizes that they must not be intermixed during calculations to maintain conformity with related ASTM procedures.

• Quality and Reliability:
  The accuracy of outcomes depends on the competence of testing personnel, equipment calibration, and adherence to additional ASTM guidelines such as Specification D3666 for laboratory competence.

• Reporting Requirements:
  Procedures require precise documentation of the method used, the average thickness, and measurement units.

Applications

ASTM D3549/D3549M-18(2023) is primarily used in:

• Construction Quality Control:

  • Verifying that the correct amount of asphalt material has been placed during pavement construction.
  • Adjusting the interpretation of mechanical properties, particularly where specimen heights vary.

• Laboratory Testing:

  • Preparing specimens for Marshall stability, gyratory compaction, or other performance assessments that require accurate thickness measurements.

• Field Sampling:

  • Measuring core samples extracted from constructed pavements to confirm compliance with contractual thickness requirements.

• Compliance Verification:

  • Providing evidence for owners, inspectors, and contractors that the pavement structure meets technical and regulatory specifications.

Using this standard helps minimize variability in asphalt pavement thickness, directly impacting road durability, strength assessment, and long-term maintenance planning.

Related Standards

The following ASTM standards are referenced and complement ASTM D3549/D3549M-18(2023):

• 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 D2726/D2726M - Test Method for Bulk Specific Gravity and Density of Non-Absorptive Compacted Asphalt Mixtures
• ASTM D3666 - Specification for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Testing and Inspecting Road and Paving Materials
• ASTM D5361/D5361M - Practice for Sampling Compacted Asphalt Mixtures for Laboratory Testing

These related documents provide essential terminology definitions, procedures for density and specific gravity, laboratory accreditation criteria, and sampling guidance-ensuring comprehensive coverage for asphalt mixture testing and quality validation.

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Applying ASTM D3549/D3549M-18(2023) ensures accurate, repeatable measurement of asphalt mixture thickness and underpins the integrity of road construction and maintenance projects. Consistent use of this standard supports pavement compliance, long-term performance, and industry best practices within the asphalt construction and materials testing sectors.

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: D3549/D3549M − 18 (Reapproved 2023)
Standard Test Method for
Thickness or Height of Compacted Asphalt Mixture
Specimens
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D3549/D3549M; 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 D2726/D2726M Test Method for Bulk Specific Gravity and
Density of Non-Absorptive Compacted Asphalt Mixtures
1.1 This test method covers determination of the thickness
D3666 Specification for Minimum Requirements for Agen-
(or height) of compacted asphalt mixture specimens.
cies Testing and Inspecting Road and Paving Materials
1.2 Units—The values stated in either SI units or inch-
D5361/D5361M Practice for Sampling Compacted Asphalt
pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The
Mixtures for Laboratory Testing
values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents;
therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other.
3. Terminology
Combining values from the two systems may result in noncon-
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms used in this
formance with the standard.
standard, refer to Terminology D8.
1.2.1 Section 7.4 specifies SI units because they are the
units used in the equations for Test Methods D1188/D1188M
4. Significance and Use
and D2726/D2726M. Performing calculations without first
converting any measurements made in inch-pound units to SI
4.1 The thickness of a compacted asphalt mixture is often
units in 7.4 will result in nonconformance with the standard.
used as a construction check to ensure that the proper quantity
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the of materials has been placed on a project, and to correct
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
strength measurement on constant diameter specimens with
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- varying heights.
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
NOTE 1—The text of this test method references notes and footnotes
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
which provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes (excluding
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
those in tables and figures) shall not be considered as requirements of the
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
test method.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
NOTE 2—The quality of the results produced by this standard are
dependent on the competence of the personnel performing the procedure
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
and the capability, calibration, and maintenance of the equipment used.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Agencies that meet the criteria of Specification D3666 are generally
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
considered capable of competent and objective testing, sampling,
inspection, etc. Users of this standard are cautioned that compliance with
2. Referenced Documents
Specification D3666 alone does not completely ensure reliable results.
Reliable results depend on many factors; following the suggestions of
2.1 ASTM Standards:
Specification D3666 or some similar acceptable guideline provides a
D8 Terminology Relating to Materials for Roads and Pave-
means of evaluating and controlling some of those factors.
ments
D1188/D1188M Test Method for Bulk Specific Gravity and
5. Apparatus
Density of Compacted Asphalt Mixtures Using Coated
Samples 5.1 Any of the following apparatus may be used to measure
the dimensions of test specimens to the nearest 1 mm [ ⁄16 in.]:
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D04 on Road
NOTE 3—The specifying agency may establish alternate unit require-
and Paving Materials and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D04.21 on
ments for measurement.
Specific Gravity and Density of Asphalt Mixtures.
Current edition approved May 1, 2023. Published May 2023. Originally
5.1.1 A metal tape or rule.
approved in 1977. Last previous edition approved in 2018 as D3549/D3549M – 18.
DOI: 10.1520/D3549_D3549M-18R23. 5.1.2 A set of calipers.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
5.1.3 A measurement jig or other device, fabricated in such
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
a manner that it is capable of measuring specimen thicknesses
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. in accordance with this procedure.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D3549/D3549M − 18 (2023)
NOTE 5—Specimens cut from the pavement with handheld or power-
6. Test Specimens
operated chisels should be trimmed by abrasion or diamond sawing to
6.1 Test specimens shall be laboratory compacted or from
remove any distorted areas prior to measuring.
compacted asphalt pavements.
7.4.1 Determine the area in square millimeters of a horizon-
6.2 Pavement test specimens shall be taken with a core drill,
tal plane through the specimen approximately equidistant from
diamond or carborundum saw, or by other suitable means.
the upper and lower surface and approximately perpendicular
6.2.1 Thickness measurements shall not be made on any
to the vertical sides of the specimen. Convert the area from
specimen that has been distorted or cracked in removal from
square millimeters to square centimeters, using the ratio of 100
the pavement, removal from laboratory compaction molds, or
square millimeters equals 1 square centimeter.
during storage prior to measuring.
7.4.2 Determine the volume in cubic centimeters of the
6.2.2 Specimens shall be free of foreign materials such as
specimen by either Test Method D1188/D1188M or D2726/
seal coat, foundation material, soil, paper, or foil.
D2726M.
6.2.3 Where desirable, specimens may be separated from
NOTE 6—The following equations represent the volume determinations
other layers according to Practice D5361/D5361M.
of the specimens in Test Method D1188/D1188M or D2726/D2726M,
respectively:
7. Procedure
D 2 E 2 D 2 A /F B 2 C
~ !
7.1 The thickness of specimens shall be determined either 3
Volume cm 5 or (1)
1 1
directly through measurement using a tape, rule, calip
...