Standard Practice for Preparation of Asphalt Mixtures by Means of the Marshall Apparatus AASHTO Designation: R 68-15" AASHIO American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials 444 North Capitol Street N.W., Suite 249 Washington, D.C. 20001Standard Pra e for Preparation of Asphalt Mixtures by Means of the Marshall Apparatus a, 4 ni 2 "i AASHTO Designation: R 68-15 AASHIO a5 SCOPE 14 ‘This standard practice describes procedures forthe compaction of cylindrical specimens of asphalt mixtures using the Marshall compaction hammer. This practice is for use with mixtures containing ‘asphalt binder or asphalt cutback and aggregate up to 25 4-mm (I-in.) maximum size. 2. REFERENCED DOCUMENTS 24 AASHTO Standards: M231, Weighing Devices Used in the Testing of Materials mR 30, Mixture Conditioning of Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) ‘mT 166, Bulk Specific Gravity (Gy) of Compacted Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) Using Saturated ‘Surface-Dry Specimens ‘= T168, Sampling Bituminous Paving Mixtures 275, Bulk Specific Gravity (Ga) of Compacted Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) Using Paraffin Coated Specimens 1331, Bulk Specific Gravity (Gas) and Density of Compacted Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) Using Automatic Vacuum Sealing Method 3. APPARATUS. 34. Specimen Mold Assembly—Mold cylinders 101.6 mm (4 in.) in diameter by 76.2 mm (3 in.) in hheight, base plates, and extension collars shall conform to the details shown in Figure 1. Three ‘mold cylinders are recommended. TS-2d R684 ‘AASHTO (© 2015 bythe American Association of tate Highway and Transporation Officials {All ght reserved. Duplication is violation of applicable aw,Collar SSS Compaction Mold Compaction Mok! Symmetrical bout this Base Plate \LLLLLLLLL LE with Collar and Base Piate ‘Steel-Cadmium Plated Figure 1—Specimen Mold Assembly Table 1—Table of Equivalents for Figures | and 3 Metric Metric Metric Metric Equve US, Equi us. Equive US. Equiva- us. lenis, Customary ——ents,-—=Customary ents, Customary tents, Customary mm Units in mm Units, om Units in. mm Units, on 0.005 175; The 387 Pe Tos Th o8 ‘he 90 % @s 2 1087 he 16 ‘he n2 % 98 Mh 1091 ha 32 My 28 he BO Th 143 aM 48 Me 254 ' 162 3 us wh 64 % 286 26 Mh 1206 ah mM Ya 318 873 whe 1286 She 9s i 349 984 a 1502 3h 126 0.496 aa 1012 Phu M60 ah ner 0499 43 1013s 3990 124 6 127 ‘ asa 0147 3995 1588 6h 3 %e 508 01s 4 1937 th 159 Oy 372 10173 4005 oas8 2 32. ‘Specimen Extractor—Stee, inthe form of a disk with a diameter not less than 100 mm (3.95 in.) and 12.7 mm ('/3 in.) thick for extracting the compacted specimen from the specimen mold with TS-2d R682 ‘AASHTO ©2015 ty the American Associaton of State Highway and Transporation Official. Allright reserved. Duplication i vnlatio af applicable law33. 33.1 332 Hammer Weight 10 1b (4596 9) the use of the mold collar. A suitable bar is required to transfer the load from the ring c ‘dynamometer adapter to the extension collar while extracting the specimen. A hydraulic jack or similar device may also be used provided specimens are not damaged during extraction. Compaction Hammer: Manual Hammer—The compaction hammer (Figure 2) shall have a flat, 98.4 3.2 mm (37% "7 in.) circular tamping face and a 4536+ 9 g (10 + 0.02 Ib) sliding weight (including a safety finger guard if so equipped) with a free fall of 457.2 + 1.524 mm (18 + 0.06 in.) Automatic Hammer—An automatic hammer shall meet the requirements listed for manual hammers in Section 3.3.1. The automatic hammer consists of the mechanical compactor, ‘an automatic counter, a tapered-foot hammer assembly for rotating-mold models ora flat-foot hammer assembly for stationary mold models. To calibrate the automatic hammer to the manual hammer, compact six specimens: three specimens using the manual hammer and three specimens using the automatic hammer. Use the same number of blows for each specimen. After the specimens have cooled to room temperature, use T 166, T 275, or T 331 to determine the average ‘bulk densities of the two sets of specimens. If the bulk densities of the two sets of specimens are ‘within 2.0 percent of each other, then the results are comparable. Ifthe results are not within 2.0 percent of each other, then the tests need to be repeated using more or fewer blows on the ‘automatic hammer to achieve a comparable density. Hammer shall have freefall of 18 In. (454.2 mm). ibaa © Figure 2—Compaction Hammer (Manual) 34. Compaction Pedestal—The compaction pedestal shall consist of 203.2-by-203.2-by-57.2-mm (B:-by-8-by-18-in.) wooden post capped witha steel plate with minimum dimensions of 304.8-by~ 304 8-by-25.4-mm (12-by-12-by-I-in). The wooden post shall have an average dry weight of 10.67 10.77 gem’ (42 to 48 Ib). The wooden pos shall be secured by four angle brackets to a solid coneret slab, The steel cap shall be firmly fastened to the post. The pedestal assembly shal be installed so that the post is plumb and the cap is level. TS-2d R683 ‘AASHTO (© 2015 bythe American Association of State Highway and Transportation Oficial Allright served. Duplication ia Volation of applicable law3.5. 36. 37. 38. 39. 3.10. 3.11 3.12 ‘Specimen Mold Holder—Mounted on the compaction pedestal so as to center the compaction mold over the center of the post. It shall hold the compaction mold, collar, and base plate securely in position during compaction of the specimen. ‘Ovens or Hot Plates—Ovens oF hot plates shall be provided for heating aggregates, asphalt ‘material, specimen molds, compaction hammers, and other equipment to the required mixing and molding temperatures. Its recommended that the heating units be thermostatically controlled so as to maintain the required temperature within 2.8°C (5°F). Suitable shields, bafMe plates, or sand ‘baths shall be used on the surfaces of the hot plates to minimize localized overheating. Heating Device—A small hot plate with continuously variable heating rate, a sand bath infrared lamp, or other suitable device shall be available for supplying sufficient heat under the mixing bow to maintain the aggregate and asphalt material atthe desired temperature during mixing. Ifa hot plate is used, a wire mesh or similar material shall be placed on the hot plate to prevent direct contact between the hot plate and mixing bowl. Mixing Apparatus—Mechanical mixing is recommended. Any type of mechanical mixer may be used provided it can be maintained at the required mixing temperature and will produce a well- coated, homogeneous mixture of the required amount in the allowable time, and further provided that essentially all of the batch can be recovered. A metal pan or bowl of sufficient capacity and hhand mixing may also be used. Air Bath—The air bath for asphalt cutback mixtures shall be thermostatically controlled and shall maintain the air temperature at 25 + 1°C (77° + 2°F). ‘Thermometers—For determining temperatures of aggregates, asphalt binder, and asphalt mixtures. Armored-glass, dial type, or digital thermometers with metal stems are recommended. A range from 9.9 to 204°C (50 to 400°F) with sensitivity of 2.8°C (5°F) i required Balance— A balance meeting the requirements of M 231, Class G 2, for determining the mass of aggregates, binder and asphalt mixture. Miscellaneous Equipment—Flat-bottom metal pans or other suitable containers for heating aggregates, containers (gilltype, beakers, pouring pots, or saucepan) for heating asphalt, flat ‘bottom scoop for batching aggregates, stcl trowel (garden type) or spatula for spading and hand ‘mixing, gloves for handling hot equipment, paper disks, marking crayons for identifying specimens, and a large spoon for placing mixture in specimen molds. 44 42. PROCEDURE Number of Specimens—Prepare at least three specimens for each combination of aggregates and bitumen content Preparation of Aggregates—Dry aggregates to constant mass at 105 to 110°C (221 to 230°F) and separate the aggregates by dry-sieving into the desired size fractions. The following size fractions are recommended: 25.010 19.0 mm (110% i 19.0 109.5 mm ('/,10” 9.5 mm wo 4.75 mm (in. to No. 4) 4.75 mm to 2.36 mm (No. 4to No. 8) Passing 2.36 mm (No. 8) ) TS-24 R684 ‘AASHTO (© 2015 by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials All ights reserved, Duplication i violation of applicable law43. 434. 432. 43.3, 44. 444 442 443, 444. 4A5. 446. AAT. 448. Determination of Mixing and Compacting Temperatures: “The temperatures to which the asphalt binder and asphalt cutback must be heated to produce @ ‘viscosity of 170 + 20 eSt shal be the mixing temperature. “The temperature to which asphalt binder must be heated to produce a viscosity of 280 + 30 cSt shall be the compacting temperature. From a composition chart for the asphalt cutback used, determine from its viscosity at 60°C (140°F) the percentage of solvent by mass. Also determine from the chart the viscosity at 60°C ((140°F) of the asphalt cutback after it has lost 50 percent of its solvent. The temperature ‘determined from the viscosity temperature chart to which the asphalt cutback must be heated to produce a viscosity of 280 + 30 cSt after a loss of 50 percent of the original solvent content shall be the compaction temperature Preparation of Mixtures (Laboratory Prepared): ‘An initial batch shall be mixed for the purpose of “buttering” the mixture bow! and stirrers. This ‘atch shall be emptied afer mixing and the sides ofthe bowl and stirers shall be cleaned of mixture residue by scraping with a small limber spatula but shall not be wiped with cloth or ‘washed clean with solvent, except when a change is to be made in the binder or atthe end of a run. Weigh into separate pans for each test specimen the amount of each size fraction required to produce a batch that will result in a compacted specimen 63.5 + 1.27 mm (2.5 + 0.05 in.) in height {about 1200 2). Mix the aggregate in each pan and place the pans on a hot plate or inthe oven and heat to a temperature not exceeding the mixing temperature established in Section 4.3 by more than approximately 28°C (50°F) for asphalt mixtures and 14°C (25°F) for eutback asphalt mixes. Heat, to the established mixing temperature just sufficient asphalt material forthe batch in a separate container. Charge the mixing bow! with the heated aggregate. Form a crater in the dry-blended aggregate and ‘weigh the preheated required amount of asphalt material into the mixture, For mixes prepared wi catback asphalt, introduce the mixing blade in the mixing bowl and determine the total mass ofthe ‘mix components plus bow! and blade before proceeding with mixing. Care must be exercised to prevent loss of the mix during mixing and subsequent handling. At this point, the temperature of the aggregate and asphalt material shall be within the limits of the mixing temperature established in Section 4.3. Mix the ageregate and asphalt material rapidly until thoroughly coated. To maintain proper mixing ‘temperature, one of the methods described in Section 3.8 may be used. Cure mixtures containing asphalt binder in accordance with R30. Cure asphalt cutback mixtures ina ventilated oven maintained at approximately 11.1°C (20°F) hove the compaction temperature, Curing isto be continued in the mixing bow! until the precalculated weight of 50 percent solvent loss or more has been obtained. The mix may be stirred Pr mixing bowl during curing 1o accelerate the solvent loss. However, care shouldbe exercised te prevent les ofthe mix. Weigh the mix during curing in successive intervals of 15 min initially ti Tes than 10-min intervals as the weight of the mix at S0 percent solvent lss is approached. TS2d RES ‘AASHTO {© 2015by the American Association of State Highway and Transporation Official. ‘Allis reserved. Duplication isa vlan of applicable aw.45. 454 452. 453 454 48. 46.4 462 463, 464 485 468, Preparation of Mixture (Plant Produced): ‘Obtain the sample in accordance with T 168. Reduce the sample in accordance with R 47 toa sample size that will result in compacted specimens 63.5 + 1.27 mm (2.5 + 0.5 in.) in height as described in Section 4.4.2. Place the sample into a pan to a uniform thickness. Bring the asphalt mixture to the compaction temperature range by careful, uniform heat ‘oven immediately prior to compaction. Compaction of Specimens: ‘Thoroughly clean the specimen mold assembly and the face ofthe compaction hammer and heat them either in boing water, on the hotplate, or in an oven, toa temperature between 93.3 and 148.9°C (200 and 300°F). Place a piece of filter paper or paper towel, cut to size, in the bottom of the mold before the mixture is introduced. Pace the entire batch in the mold, and spade the mixture vigorously with a heated spatula or trowel 15 times around the perimeter and 10 times over the interior. Smooth the surface of the mix with a trowel to a slightly rounded shape. Remove the collar if necessary. Temperatures of the ‘mixtures immediately prior to compaction shall be within the limits of the compaction temperature established in Section 4.3. Ifthe temperature of the specimen is too high, allow the specimen to ‘cool within the range of compaction temperatures; however, if the mixture is below compaction ‘temperature, remove the mixture from the mold and replace it inthe oven until the desired ‘temperature is reached. Next, repeat the steps inthis section. This process should not be repeated ‘more than once. The material should be heated for the minimum time required to achieve the ‘compaction temperature. Note 1—Excessive heating times may cause oxidation and loss of volatiles and should be avoided. Replace the collar, then place a piece of filter paper or paper toweling cut to size on top of the mixture and place the mold assembly on the compaction pedestal in the mold holder, and unless, ‘otherwise specified, apply 50 or 75 blows with the compaction hammer witha free fll in 457.2 mm (18 in.). Hold the axis of the compaction hammer perpendicular to the base of the mold assembly during compaction. Remove the base plate and collar, and reverse and reassemble the ‘mold. Apply the same number of compaction blows to the face of the reversed specimen. “After compaction, remove the base plate, carefully extract the specimen from the mold and transfer to a smooth, flat surface. Allow the specimen to stand overnight at room temperature. Note 2—In general, specimens shall be cooled as specified in Section 4.6.6. When more rapid cooling is desired, table fans may be used. Mixtures that lack sufficient cohesion to result in the required cylindrical shape on removal from the mold immediately after compaction may be cooled in the mold in air until sufficient cohesion has developed to result in the proper eylindrical shape. " Formerly part of T 245. First published as a practice in 2015. TS2d Rees ‘AASHTO {© 2015 by the American Assocation of State Highway and Transporation Officials All iahts reserved. Duplication sa volation of applicable law