Long Term Pavement Performance Project Laboratory Materials Testing and Handling Guide

Protocol P03
Test Method for Maximum Specific Gravityof Asphaltic Concrete (AC03)

This LTPP protocol covers the determination of the maximum specific gravity of asphaltic (bituminous) concrete and the test shall be carried out in accordance with AASHTO T209-82 (86) as modified by the following. Only sections of the referenced standard which have been modified are included below. In all other sections the standard will be followed as written. The test shall be performed on AC material obtained from test sections included in the LTPP experiments.

1. SCOPE

1.1 This method covers the determination of the maximum specific gravity of AC samples taken from a pavement.

2. APPLICABLE DOCUMENT

2.1 Delete

3. APPARATUS

3.1 Balance, with ample capacity, and with sufficient sensitivity to enable maximum specific gravities of samples of AC to be calculated to at least four significant figures; that is, to at least three decimal places. It shall be equipped with a suitable suspension apparatus and holder to permit weighing the sample while suspended from the center of the scale pan of the balance.

5. TEST SAMPLES

5.1 The core sample shall be used after performing other nondestructive laboratory tests on the sample. The size of the sample shall conform to the requirement given in 5.2 or the acceptable available sample, whichever is minimum.

5.3 The core sample shall be heated in an oven until it softens so that the coarse aggregate that was cut or sliced during the coring operations can be removed from the sides. The sliced aggregate shall be carefully removed so as not to remove or disturb the unsliced aggregate.

10. REPORT

10.1 Sample Identification shall include: Laboratory Identification Code, Region, State, State Code, SHRP ID, Layer Number, Field Set Number, Sample Area Number, Sample Location Number, LTPP Sample Number.

10.2 Test Identification shall include: Laboratory Test Number, Test Date, LTPP Test Designation, LTPP Protocol Number.

10.3 Test Results
(a) Maximum Specific Gravity (GMM), to four significant figures; that is, to at least three decimal places.

10.4 Comments shall include LTPP standard comment code(s) as shown in Section 4.3 and any other note as needed.

10.5 Use Form T03 (Test Sheet T03) to report the above information (Items 10.1 to 10.4).

LTPP LABORATORY MATERIAL HANDLING AND TESTING
LABORATORY MATERIAL TEST DATA
MAXIMUM SPECIFIC GRAVITY
LAB DATA SHEET T03

ASPHALTIC CONCRETE LAYER (ASPHALTIC CONCRETE PROPERTIES)
LTPP TEST DESIGNATION AC03/LTPP PROTOCOL P03

LABORATORY PERFORMING TEST:______________________________________________________________

LABORATORY IDENTIFICATION CODE:__ __ __ __

REGION _________________ STATE ___________________ STATE CODE __ __

EXPERIMENT NO _____

SAMPLED BY: ______________________________________________ FIELD SET NO. __

DATE SAMPLED: __ __-__ __-__ __ __ __

1. LAYER NUMBER (FROM LAB SHEET L04 AND FORM T01B) __