ASTM D5444-24 PDF

Full title and description

ASTM D5444-24 — Standard Test Method for Mechanical Size Analysis of Extracted Aggregate. This standard describes a mechanical sieve analysis procedure to determine the particle size distribution (gradation) of fine and coarse aggregates that have been extracted from asphalt mixtures. The method uses sieves with square openings and provides the basis for assessing compliance of extracted aggregate gradation with specification requirements and for production control.

Abstract

This short standard specifies a procedure for determining the particle size distribution of aggregates recovered from asphalt mixtures. Results are used to evaluate gradation for specification compliance and to support quality control and mixture design. The standard emphasizes use of SI units, notes safety and workplace responsibilities, and warns that reliable results depend on trained personnel and properly maintained/calibrated equipment (reference to Specification D3666 as a competence guideline).

General information

• Status: Active.
• Publication date: June 1, 2024.
• Publisher: ASTM International.
• ICS / categories: 19.120 (Particle size analysis. Sieving).
• Edition / version: D5444-24 (revises D5444-23).
• Number of pages: 3.

Key bibliographic identifiers: DOI 10.1520/D5444-24; developed by ASTM Committee D04 (Subcommittee D04.51).

Scope

This test method covers the mechanical size (sieve) analysis procedure for determining the particle size distribution of fine and coarse aggregates extracted from asphalt mixtures. It specifies use of sieves with square openings, requires reporting in SI units as the standard, and includes general safety and applicability notes. The procedure is intended for recovered aggregate (after extraction) rather than for virgin aggregate sampling.

Key topics and requirements

• Mechanical sieve analysis of aggregates extracted from asphalt mixtures (gradation determination).
• Use of sieves with square openings and specified sieve sizes relevant to pavement materials.
• Reporting requirements and presentation of particle size distribution (percent passing by mass).
• Emphasis on SI units as the standard unit system.
• Requirements and guidance on equipment condition, calibration, and competent laboratory personnel; note referencing Specification D3666 for laboratory competence.
• Intended for quality control, specification compliance checks, and data for aggregate production control.

These topics reflect the standard’s purpose to provide a repeatable, auditable method for gradation of extracted aggregates.

Typical use and users

Primary users are materials testing laboratories, highway and transportation agencies, asphalt plant quality-control staff, pavement engineers, and consultants who perform aggregate gradation analysis on material recovered from asphalt mixtures. Typical applications include specification compliance testing, forensic pavement investigations, mix design verification, and internal QC at production facilities.

Related standards

This edition (D5444-24) replaces D5444-23. Standards and specifications commonly referenced in conjunction with D5444 include ASTM D3666 (laboratory competence guidance), and a number of pavement- and mixture-related standards that reference or are cross-referenced with D5444 (examples reported in bibliographies: D0979, D2172, D4469, D6307, D8159). Users should consult project specifications and referenced ASTM documents for mandatory cross-references.

Keywords

aggregate; extracted aggregate; gradation; particle size distribution; sieve analysis; mechanical size analysis; asphalt mixtures; sieving; D5444.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM D5444-24 is a Standard Test Method for Mechanical Size Analysis of Extracted Aggregate — a short procedure for sieve analysis of aggregates recovered from asphalt mixtures to determine particle size distribution.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers mechanical sieve (sieving) procedures using sieves with square openings to report gradation of fine and coarse aggregates extracted from asphalt mixtures, specifies SI units, and includes notes on safety and laboratory competence.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Materials testing laboratories, pavement engineers, highway agencies, asphalt plant QC personnel and consultants performing gradation analysis on material extracted from asphalt pavements or asphalt mixes.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: As of its publication date (June 1, 2024) D5444-24 is the current active edition and it revises/supersedes D5444-23. Users should verify if a newer revision has been published after that date before relying on it for compliance decisions.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: D5444 is part of ASTM’s family of road, paving, and pavement material test methods maintained by Committee D04 (Subcommittee D04.51); it is related by topic to other ASTM standards that address extraction, gradation, and mix evaluation.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Aggregate, extraction, gradation, sieving, particle size distribution, asphalt mixtures, mechanical size analysis (D5444).