1. Scope*
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the relative
density and density of semi-solid bituminous materials, asphalt
cements, and soft tar pitches by use of a pycnometer.
NOTE 1—An alternate method for determining the density of semi-solid
and solid bituminous materials is Test Method D3289. For materials which
are too fluid for use of this test method, use Test Method D3142.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to the regarded as the
standard. The values given in parentheses are for information
only.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address the safety
concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and
health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory
limitations prior to use.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:2
C670 Practice for Preparing Precision and Bias Statements
for Test Methods for Construction Materials
D140 Practice for Sampling Bituminous Materials
D3142 Test Method for Specific Gravity, API Gravity, or
Density of Cutback Asphalts by Hydrometer Method
D3289 Test Method for Density of Semi-Solid and Solid
Bituminous Materials (Nickel Crucible Method)
D4311 Practice for Determining Asphalt Volume Correction
to a Base Temperature
E1 Specification for ASTM Liquid-in-Glass Thermometers
2.2 Other:
CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.1.1 density—the mass per unit volume of a material.
3.1.2 relative density—the ratio of the mass of a given
volume of a material to the mass of the same volume of water
at the same temperature (see Note 2).
NOTE 2—Relative density is also described as specific gravity.
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 The sample is placed in a calibrated pycnometer. The
pycnometer and sample are weighed, then the remaining
volume is filled with water. The filled pycnometer is brought to
the test temperature, and weighed. The density of the sample is
calculated from its mass and the mass of water displaced by the
sample in the filled pycnometer.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 Values of density are used for converting volumes to
units of mass, and for correcting measured volumes from the
temperature of measurement to a standard temperature using
Practice D4311.
6. Apparatus
6.1 Pycnometer, glass, consisting of a cylindrical or conical
vessel carefully ground to receive an accurately fitting glass
stopper 22 to 26 mm in diameter. The stopper shall be provided
with a hole 1.0 to 2.0 mm in diameter, centrally located in
reference to the vertical axis. The top surface of the stopper
shall be substantially plane and have no chips, and the lower
surface shall be concave to allow all air to escape through the