ASTM D3665-24 PDF

Full title and description

ASTM D3665-24 — Standard Practice for Random Sampling of Construction Materials. This practice provides procedures and examples to select random locations or times to take samples of construction materials so as to minimize unintentional bias by the sampler. It is intended as a practical guide for obtaining representative, random samples from construction lots and processes and includes guidance on stratified random sampling and use of random-number tables.

Abstract

ASTM D3665-24 establishes methods for determining where or when to take samples of construction materials to achieve randomness and reduce sampler bias. The document explains selection procedures, offers worked examples (including road and paving materials), and points to companion standards for physical sampling procedures, sample sizes, and extraction techniques. It supports probability- and stratified-sampling approaches appropriate for quality control, acceptance testing, and forensic investigation of construction materials.

General information

• Status: Active
• Publication date: November 15, 2024
• Publisher: ASTM International
• ICS / categories: 91.100.01 (Construction materials)
• Edition / version: D3665-24 (2024 edition)
• Number of pages: 13

Scope

This practice covers the selection of random locations or times at which samples of construction materials are to be taken. It does not specify the exact physical procedures for extracting the sample increment or the size of the sample; users should refer to the appropriate physical sampling or test-method standards for those details. The standard includes tables and procedures for random selection and discusses stratified sampling for representing the full range of a lot or process.

Key topics and requirements

• Procedures for selecting random sample locations and sampling times to reduce sampler bias.
• Use of random-number tables and selection tables (including a four-digit table referenced in the practice) for reproducible random selection.
• Guidance on stratified random sampling and dividing lots into sublots for improved representativeness.
• Cross-references to physical sampling practices and test methods for extraction, increment size, and sample preparation.
• Notes on limitations, safety responsibilities, and the need to combine sampling with appropriate statistical and acceptance procedures.

Typical use and users

Used by construction quality-control and quality-assurance personnel, laboratory technicians, materials engineers, contractors, consultants, public-works agencies, and testing laboratories. Typical applications include random sampling of aggregates, asphalt, concrete, soils, and paving materials for acceptance testing, forensic analysis, and routine monitoring where unbiased, representative samples are required.

Related standards

This practice is intended to be used with and referenced by physical sampling and testing standards such as Practices C172/C172M, C183/C183M, D75/D75M, D140/D140M, D979/D979M, D5361/D5361M, Test Method D345, and guidance documents such as Guide E105, Practice E122, and Practice E141. It complements other industry sampling guides and national/regional sampling practices used in construction materials testing.

Keywords

random sampling, construction materials, stratified sampling, random-number tables, sample location, sampling plan, quality control, acceptance sampling, materials testing

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM D3665-24 is a practice that defines procedures for selecting random locations or times to take samples of construction materials to reduce sampler bias and improve representativeness.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers selection procedures for random sampling (where and when to sample), examples applicable to road and paving materials, and guidance on stratified random sampling. It does not prescribe the physical extraction technique or exact sample sizes—those are covered by companion sampling and test standards.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Materials testing laboratories, construction quality/control teams, engineers, contractors, agency inspectors, and consultants involved in acceptance testing or investigations of construction materials.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The D3665-24 edition (2024) is the current, active edition of this practice as of its 2024 publication.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is a standalone practice within ASTM’s construction and materials suite but is intended to be used alongside related ASTM practices and test methods for physical sampling and testing (for example, C172/C172M, D75/D75M, and related guides and practices).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Random sampling, construction materials, stratified sampling, random-number table, sampling plan, quality assurance, sample location, acceptance sampling.