ASTM D2489/D2489M-24 PDF

Full title and description

ASTM D2489/D2489M-24 — Standard Test Method for Estimating Degree of Particle Coating of Asphalt Mixtures. This short procedure provides an estimate of the percentage of coarse aggregate particles that are completely coated with asphalt cement in asphalt paving mixtures (including cold‑mixed, cold‑laid mixtures). The method is intended for establishing minimum mixing times and for informational or research sampling of stockpiled mixtures; it is not intended as a primary acceptance/rejection test for owner agencies.

Abstract

This test method describes sampling, sieving, and visual classification procedures used to estimate the percentage of coarse particles that are completely coated by asphalt cement in an asphalt‑aggregate mixture. It defines sample size guidance, recommended sieve sizes, lighting and temperature considerations, and reporting conventions. The procedure may be used to determine the least mixing time required to achieve satisfactory coating and to check that coating is retained in stockpiles, but it lacks a full precision and bias statement and therefore is recommended for research and informational use rather than formal acceptance testing.

General information

• Status: Active
• Publication date: May 13, 2024
• Publisher: ASTM International
• ICS / categories: 91.100.50 (Binders. Sealing materials); 93.080.20 (Road construction materials)
• Edition / version: D2489/D2489M‑24
• Number of pages: 3

Scope

The standard provides a method to estimate degree of particle coating in an asphalt‑aggregate mixture by determining the percentage of coarse particles (retained on the 9.5 mm [3/8 in.] or 4.75 mm [No. 4] sieve) that are completely coated. Both SI and inch‑pound units are provided and are to be used independently. The method is intended for use with hot and cold asphalt mixtures for research, process control, and informational sampling; it is not intended for direct acceptance/rejection in procurement due to the absence of a complete precision and bias statement.

Key topics and requirements

• Purpose and significance — estimating percent of coated coarse particles to evaluate mixing and stockpile retention.
• Sampling guidance — sufficient material to yield ~200–500 coarse particles retained on the specified sieves; avoid overloading sieves and minimize agitation that can cause recoating.
• Apparatus — sieves (9.5 mm and 4.75 mm), trays, stopwatch, thermometers suitable for mix temperature measurement, suitable lighting or sunlight for visual inspection.
• Procedure essentials — spread particles in a single layer, inspect each particle and classify as “completely coated” or “partially/uncoated,” count and calculate percent coated.
• Reporting — report estimated percentage of coated particles and relevant test conditions (mix temperature, ambient conditions, sieve used, sample size).
• Limitations — no full precision/bias statement; recommended for research/informational uses and not for formal contract acceptance; results depend on operator competence and lighting/temperature conditions.
• Units — provides both SI and inch‑pound units; systems are independent and should not be mixed.

Typical use and users

Used by pavement laboratories, contractors’ quality control personnel, transportation agencies (for research and process checks), materials engineers, and academics studying mix design and cold‑mix performance. Typical uses include checking the effect of mixing time and procedure on coating, monitoring stockpile coating retention, and investigatory or comparative studies of mixing practice.

Related standards

Commonly referenced or associated ASTM standards include specification and test standards for asphalt mixtures and sampling and testing of paving materials, for example ASTM D4215 (cold‑mixed, cold‑laid paving mixtures), D3665 (random sampling of construction materials), D3666 (requirements for testing agencies), D2950 (density in place by nuclear methods), D6307 (asphalt content by ignition), and D4867 (effect of moisture on asphalt concrete). The standard is maintained under Committee D04 (Road and Paving Materials).

Keywords

asphalt mixtures; particle coating; coated particles; asphalt‑aggregate mixtures; cold‑mix; mixing time; pavement QC; sampling; visual classification; D2489

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM D2489/D2489M‑24 is a short test method for estimating the percentage of coarse aggregate particles in an asphalt mixture that are completely coated with asphalt cement.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers sampling guidance, the visual inspection procedure, required apparatus (sieves, thermometer, trays, lighting), counting and calculation of percent coated particles, reporting conventions, and limitations of the method.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Pavement materials laboratories, contractors’ QC personnel, transportation agencies (for research and process control), and researchers evaluating mix design and mixing procedures.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The designation D2489/D2489M‑24 is the current active version (published/updated in 2024). Previous versions include D2489/D2489M‑16 and earlier editions.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is part of the ASTM D04 family of standards for road and paving materials; the “/D2489M” indicates the standard includes both inch‑pound and SI unit provisions. It is commonly used alongside related D04 standards for asphalt mixture composition, sampling, and testing.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Asphalt mixtures, particle coating, coated particles, paving mixtures, mixing time, cold‑mix, visual inspection, sampling, pavement QC.