ASTM D1461-17 (2022) PDF

Full title and description

Designation: ASTM D1461-17(2022) — Standard Test Method for Moisture or Volatile Distillates in Asphalt Mixtures. This test method defines a laboratory procedure for the direct determination of the amount of moisture or volatile petroleum distillates present in asphalt (bituminous) mixtures.

Abstract

This standard describes a direct-measurement laboratory procedure to determine either the moisture content or the volatile distillate fraction (volatile petroleum liquids) in asphalt mixtures. The procedure is intended for use where quantification of volatile components or moisture is required for quality control, mix evaluation, or forensic analysis of asphalt paving materials. The method is expressed in SI units.

General information

• Status: Active / Published (reapproved/issued in 2022).
• Publication date: 2022 (listed by some distributors as 01-Nov-2022 and by others as 31-Oct-2022).
• Publisher: ASTM International (under subcommittee D04.25 jurisdiction).
• ICS / categories: 91.100.50 (Binders, sealing materials); 93.080.20 (Road construction materials).
• Edition / version: D1461-17(2022) — original revision year 2017 with the (2022) reapproval/issue marking.
• Number of pages: 6 pages.

Scope

This test method covers the direct determination of moisture or volatile fractions (volatile distillates) of the asphalt in asphalt mixtures. It is intended for laboratory use on representative samples of asphalt mixtures and does not attempt to address all safety or regulatory issues associated with solvent handling or heated testing. The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard.

Key topics and requirements

• Direct measurement technique for moisture or volatile petroleum distillates in asphalt mixtures.
• Sample preparation and handling to avoid loss or gain of volatiles prior to measurement.
• Apparatus requirements (laboratory distillation/evaporation equipment appropriate to capture volatiles and measure mass loss).
• Reporting of results in SI units and statement of measurement uncertainties where applicable.
• Safety and environmental precautions for handling volatile organic liquids and heated samples (users must follow local regulations and safety practices).

Typical use and users

Used by pavement materials laboratories, DOT/state highway agencies, materials testing firms, asphalt producers, and quality control/assurance personnel to quantify moisture or volatile distillates in asphalt mixtures for acceptance testing, mix design verification, troubleshooting, or forensic analysis after paving operations.

Related standards

Standards under the same ASTM subcommittee and commonly referenced alongside D1461 include other asphalt mixture analysis methods and binder recovery/extraction procedures such as D2172/D2172M (quantitative extraction of asphalt binder), D6307 (asphalt content by ignition method), D6627 (determination of volatile distillate fraction of cold asphalt mixtures), and related sampling and sampling-practice standards like D979/D979M. These related standards cover complementary methods for asphalt content, binder recovery, and sampling.

Keywords

asphalt mixtures; moisture content; volatile distillates; bituminous paving; volatile petroleum liquids; laboratory test method; ASTM D1461.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM D1461-17(2022) is a Standard Test Method that provides a laboratory procedure to determine the amount of moisture or volatile petroleum distillates present in asphalt (bituminous) mixtures.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers direct measurement of moisture or volatile fractions in asphalt mixtures, specifying sample handling, apparatus considerations, measurement in SI units, and reporting. It does not replace safety or regulatory guidance for volatile handling.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Pavement materials laboratories, state DOTs, contractors, asphalt producers, and testing/inspection agencies involved in quality control, mix design checks, or investigations into volatile loss from mixtures.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The designation D1461-17(2022) is listed as active (published/reapproved in 2022). Users should confirm with ASTM International for the absolute latest status or any subsequent revisions.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It falls under the body of ASTM standards for asphalt mixture analysis maintained by subcommittee D04.25 and is commonly used together with complementary extraction, binder recovery, and sampling standards (for example D2172/D2172M, D6307, D6627, D979).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Asphalt mixtures, moisture content, volatile distillates, bitumen, volatile petroleum liquids, laboratory test method, ASTM D1461.