ASTM D3203-22 PDF

Full title and description

ASTM D3203-22 — Standard Test Method for Percent Air Voids in Compacted Asphalt Mixtures. This test method specifies procedures to determine the percent air voids in laboratory-compacted and field-compacted asphalt (bituminous) paving mixtures; it defines dense and open mixtures and provides the calculation approach used for mix design and quality-control evaluation.

Abstract

ASTM D3203-22 provides a short, definitive procedure for calculating the percent air voids (Va) in compacted asphalt mixtures by comparing a specimen’s bulk specific gravity (Gmb) with the mixture’s theoretical maximum specific gravity (Gmm). The standard clarifies units (SI as the standard), describes dense versus open mixtures, notes related referenced practices and test methods, and reiterates user responsibility for safety and calibration of equipment. The outcome (percent air voids) is a primary volumetric criterion used in mix design and compaction acceptance.

General information

• Status: Active / Current.
• Publication date: November 1, 2022.
• Publisher: ASTM International (original designation D3203 / D3203M now issued as D3203-22).
• ICS / categories: 93.080.20 — Road construction materials.
• Edition / version: D3203-22 (supersedes D3203/D3203M‑17).
• Number of pages: 3.

Scope

This test method covers determination of the percent air voids in compacted asphalt mixtures. Values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The standard does not purport to address all safety concerns; users must establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices. It applies to both dense asphalt mixtures (air voids less than 10%) and open mixtures (air voids 10% or more) and is intended for use in laboratory mix design, production control, and evaluation of field compaction.

Key topics and requirements

• Definition and classification of dense and open asphalt mixtures (threshold: 10% air voids).
• Primary measurement inputs: bulk specific gravity of the compacted specimen (Gmb) and theoretical maximum specific gravity of the mixture (Gmm).
• Core calculation for percent air voids: Va = 100 × (Gmm − Gmb) / Gmm (percent air voids calculated from Gmm and Gmb).
• Requirement to use SI units as the standard unit set for this method.
• References to related ASTM practices and test methods for specimen preparation, specific gravity determination, and precision guidance (users must consult those referenced standards where procedures overlap).
• Notes on quality of results: outcome depends on operator competence, equipment calibration, and adherence to referenced methods; agencies are responsible for training and QA/QC procedures.

Typical use and users

This standard is used by materials and pavement laboratories, highway agency and DOT personnel, consulting pavement engineers, asphalt plant QC/QA teams, contractors performing pavement compaction acceptance, and researchers studying pavement mix volumetrics. Typical applications include laboratory mix design verification, daily plant QC checks, evaluation of in-place compaction (via cores), and regulatory compliance or acceptance testing on paving projects.

Related standards

Commonly referenced documents and companion standards include ASTM D8 (Terminology Relating to Materials for Roads and Paving), D2041 (Theoretical Maximum Specific Gravity and Density), D2726 (Bulk Specific Gravity and Density of Non‑Absorptive Compacted Bituminous Mixtures), D3549 (Thickness/Height of Compacted Specimens), D4867 (Effect of Moisture on Asphalt Mixtures), D1074 (Compressive Strength of Bituminous Mixtures), and related AASHTO procedures (e.g., T209 / T166 equivalents). D3203-22 formally replaces D3203/D3203M‑17. Users should consult the D3203-22 referenced‑documents section for the exact list and edition of referenced standards.

Keywords

air voids; percent air voids; compacted asphalt mixtures; bulk specific gravity (Gmb); theoretical maximum specific gravity (Gmm); mix volumetrics; pavement compaction; asphalt mix design; QC/QA; ASTM D3203-22.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM D3203-22 is the ASTM test method that defines how to determine the percent air voids in compacted asphalt mixtures for use in mix design and compaction evaluation.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers the measurement and calculation of percent air voids using measured bulk specific gravity (Gmb) and theoretical maximum specific gravity (Gmm), establishes unit conventions (SI preferred), classifies dense vs. open mixtures, and points to referenced procedures for specimen preparation and specific gravity determination.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Materials laboratories, DOT and highway agency QA/QC staff, pavement design engineers, contractors, and researchers working on asphalt mix design, production control, and field compaction acceptance.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: Current — D3203-22 (published November 1, 2022) is the active version and supersedes the prior D3203/D3203M‑17 edition.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: D3203-22 is a single test method within the suite of ASTM standards for road and paving materials (Committee D04). It is commonly used alongside other D04 test methods and practices (e.g., D2041, D2726, D4867) that together support asphalt mix design and evaluation.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Percent air voids, air void content, Gmm, Gmb, compacted asphalt mixtures, mix volumetrics, pavement compaction, ASTM D3203-22.