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The specific gravity of a bituminous material is defined as the ratio of the mass of a given volume of the material to the mass of an equal volume of water. This test covers the determination of bulk specific gravity, density, and water absorption of compacted bituminous mixtures. In this method the bituminous specimen is immersed in a water bath at a constant temperature of 25°C (77°F). The difference between the mass under water and the mass in air is used to measure the mass of an equal volume of water. In addition, the mass of the dry specimen is also measured. The bulk specific gravity is then calculated using these masses. Using the specific gravity the density can be calculated by multiplying the specific gravity by the density of water.

 

The data entry and calculations for this test are performed on the Bulk Specific Gravity form described in the next section. After the data and calculations have been performed the results are displayed in a test report as described in the reporting section below. The format of this report is controlled by the geotechnical template used for the test.

 

The methodology and calculations for this test adhere to "ASTM D 2726-04 Standard Test Method for Bulk Specific Gravity and Density of Non-Absorptive Compacted Bituminous Mixtures". For more detailed information on the methodology and calculations please review this standard.