ASTM D3381/D3381M-18 (2024) PDF

Full title and description

ASTM D3381/D3381M-18 — Standard Specification for Viscosity‑Graded Asphalt Binder for Use in Pavement Construction. This specification defines grading, required physical property limits, and test-method references for asphalt binders graded by viscosity at 60 °C (140 °F); the designation D3381/D3381M-18 was reapproved/issued with an editorial update in 2024 (shown as D3381/D3381M-18(2024) in some catalogs).

Abstract

Specifies requirements and test criteria for viscosity‑graded asphalt binders used in pavement construction. The standard provides multiple tables of limits (purchaser‑specified) for viscosity at 60 °C and related properties (including minimum high‑temperature viscosity at 135 °C, penetration, water content, flash point, solubility, ductility, and behavior after thin‑film/rolling thin‑film oven aging), and references the ASTM test methods used for sampling and testing. Units are provided in both SI and inch‑pound and are to be used independently.

General information

• Status: Active / current (standard D3381/D3381M-18 with a 2024 editorial reapproval/update noted in record).
• Publication date: Original approval December 15, 2018; reapproved/updated in 2024 (referenced as D3381/D3381M-18(2024) in some catalogs).
• Publisher: ASTM International (ASTM).
• ICS / categories: 93.080.20 — Road construction materials / Bituminous materials.
• Edition / version: D3381/D3381M‑18 (2018); editorial/reapproval activity recorded in 2024 (D3381/D3381M‑18(2024)).
• Number of pages: 3.

Scope

The specification applies to asphalt binders graded according to kinematic viscosity at 60 °C [140 °F] for pavement construction. It offers multiple tables of limits for different viscosity grades (AC‑2.5 through AC‑40 and similar designations) and requires the purchaser to specify which table of limits applies. The standard also states applicable sampling and test methods (for example, Test Methods D2171/D2171M for viscosity, D95 for water, D140/D140M for sampling) and provides guidance on volume corrections and unit systems.

Key topics and requirements

• Viscosity grading at 60 °C [140 °F] as primary grade-defining property.
• Multiple grade tables (purchaser selects applicable limits) covering a range of viscosity grades (e.g., AC‑2.5 to AC‑40).
• Minimum viscosity at 135 °C [275 °F] for handling/compaction considerations.
• Requirements and tests for water content, penetration (where referenced), flash point (Cleveland open cup), solubility in trichloroethylene, ductility, and oven‑residue behavior (TFO and RTFO).
• Specification of units: SI and inch‑pound values are independent; do not mix values from both systems.

Typical use and users

Used by asphalt producers, suppliers, state and local highway agencies, pavement engineers, materials laboratories, construction contractors, and procurement/specification writers to define acceptable binder properties for paving projects and quality‑control testing. The standard is maintained under ASTM Committee D04 (Road and Paving Materials).

Related standards

Commonly referenced ASTM test methods and specifications in the text include: Test Method D2171/D2171M (viscosity), Practice D140/D140M (sampling), Test Method D95 (water), Practice/Method D4311/D4311M (volume corrections), Test Method D92 (flash and fire points by Cleveland open cup), Test Method D113 (ductility), Test Method D70 (density/pycnometer), and Specification D946/D946M (penetration‑graded asphalt binder). These referenced standards provide the measurement procedures and sampling practices called out by D3381/D3381M.

Keywords

asphalt binder; viscosity‑graded; bitumen; pavement construction; AC‑grades; kinematic viscosity; 60 °C viscosity; high‑temperature viscosity; thin‑film oven; rolling thin‑film oven; ASTM D3381.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM D3381/D3381M-18 is a specification that sets grading, required properties, and test references for viscosity‑graded asphalt binders intended for pavement use. It identifies grade limits and the ASTM test methods to verify conformance.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers asphalt binders graded by kinematic viscosity at 60 °C [140 °F], including limits for viscosity (60 °C and minimum at 135 °C), and related properties such as water content, flash point, solubility, ductility, and oven‑residue behavior; it also specifies that the purchaser must indicate which table of limits applies.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Asphalt manufacturers and suppliers, highway agencies, pavement designers and contractors, and testing laboratories use the standard to specify and verify binder properties for paving operations.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The designation is D3381/D3381M‑18 (approved in 2018). Records indicate editorial/reapproval activity in 2024 (often shown as D3381/D3381M‑18(2024)); catalog listings identify the document as active. Users should confirm the exact status and any errata with ASTM or an official distributor before relying on the standard for procurement.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is part of ASTM's suite of asphalt and bituminous standards under Committee D04 and is cross‑referenced with other binder standards (for example, D946/D946M for penetration‑graded binders and D6373/D8239 for performance‑graded binders) and multiple ASTM test methods used for sampling and measurement.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: asphalt binder, viscosity‑graded, bitumen, AC‑grade, pavement, kinematic viscosity, 60 °C, ASTM D3381.