ASTM D2726/D2726M-21 PDF

Full title and description

ASTM D2726/D2726M-21 — Standard Test Method for Bulk Specific Gravity and Density of Non‑Absorptive Compacted Asphalt Mixtures. This method describes procedures to determine the bulk specific gravity and density of compacted asphalt (bituminous) mixture specimens and related reporting necessary for compaction and air‑void calculations.

Abstract

This standard specifies a laboratory test procedure to obtain the bulk specific gravity and convert that value to density for non‑absorptive, compacted asphalt mixture specimens. It excludes samples having open/interconnecting voids or those that absorb more than 2.0% water by volume. Results are commonly used with percent‑air‑void calculations and for assessing degree of compaction.

General information

• Status: Active (current edition published 2021).
• Publication date: May 1, 2021 (designated D2726/D2726M‑21).
• Publisher: ASTM International (formerly American Society for Testing and Materials).
• ICS / categories: 91.100.50; 93.080.20 (binders/sealing materials; road construction materials).
• Edition / version: D2726/D2726M‑21 (2021 edition).
• Number of pages: 4 pages.

Scope

The standard covers determination of bulk specific gravity and density of specimens of compacted asphalt mixtures. It is intended only for non‑absorptive specimens (those that do not contain open/interconnecting voids and that absorb ≤2.0% water by volume). Values may be reported in either SI or inch‑pound units (each system used independently). The bulk density is defined at a reference temperature (25 °C) for conversion from specific gravity to density.

Key topics and requirements

• Determination of bulk specific gravity of compacted asphalt specimens using mass in air and mass in water techniques where applicable.
• Conversion of specific gravity to density by multiplication with the density of water at the test temperature (reference 25 °C).
• Restriction: not suitable for specimens with open/interconnecting voids or water absorption greater than 2.0% by volume.
• Use in conjunction with related test methods (for example, percent‑air‑void calculations with Test Method D3203/D3203M).
• Instrumentation and calibration requirements for balances, thermometers, and ovens are referenced (referenced ASTM E‑series thermometer and temperature practices).

Typical use and users

Used by pavement materials laboratories, DOT/state highway agencies, construction and quality‑control personnel, materials engineers, and researchers to determine compaction/density and to compute percent air voids for dense asphalt mixtures. Also used as a QC/acceptance test on production and research specimens.

Related standards

Commonly referenced standards and practices include ASTM Test Method D3203/D3203M (percent air voids calculations), ASTM Specification D3666 (laboratory competence and related guidance), and several ASTM E‑series standards for thermometers and temperature measurement (for example E1, E77, E563, E644, E1137/E1137M, E2251) which are cited for instrumentation/calibration.

Keywords

bulk specific gravity, bulk density, asphalt mixtures, bituminous mixtures, percent air voids, compaction, non‑absorptive specimens, density test, pavement materials.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM D2726/D2726M‑21 is a test method that defines how to determine the bulk specific gravity and density of compacted, non‑absorptive asphalt (bituminous) mixture specimens.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers specimen preparation considerations, measurement procedures to obtain mass in air and apparent mass in water, conversion of specific gravity to density (using the density of water at the test temperature), and reporting requirements. It excludes samples with open/interconnecting voids or water absorption greater than 2.0% by volume.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Materials testing laboratories, transportation agencies, pavement engineers, contractors performing QC/QA, and researchers evaluating asphalt mixture properties.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The D2726/D2726M‑21 edition (published May 1, 2021) is the current ASTM edition. A revision/work‑item to review and ballot the method was recorded by the responsible committee (work item WK95609), indicating periodic review activity. Users should check ASTM for the latest status before purchase or citation.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is published under ASTM Committee D04 (Road and Paving Materials), Subcommittee D04.21, and is commonly used alongside other pavement and materials standards (for compaction, air‑voids, temperature and equipment specifications). The designation includes both inch‑pound and SI versions (D2726/D2726M).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Bulk specific gravity; bulk density; asphalt mixtures; compaction; percent air voids; non‑absorptive; pavement materials; density test.