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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 the theoretical maximum specific gravity and density of compacted bituminous mixtures. In this method the specimen is weighed and placed in a tared vacuum vessel containing sufficient water at 25°C (77°F) to completely submerge the specimen. A vacuum is slowly applied to reduce the residual pressure to 4kPa (30 mm of Hg) or less and then held for approximately 15 min.  After the vacuum is released, the volume of the specimen is obtained. Using the mass and volume measurements, the specific gravity at 25°C (77°F) is calculated.

 

The data entry and calculations for this test are performed on the Maximum 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 D2041/D2041M-11 Standard Test Method for Theoretical Maximum Specific Gravity and Density of Bituminous Paving Mixtures". For more detailed information on the methodology and calculations please review this standard.