ASTM D7248/D7248M-23 PDF

Full title and description

St ASTM D7248/D7248M-23 — Standard Test Method for Determining the Coarse and Fine Aggregate Fragments in Asphalt Mixtures by Mechanical Sieve Shaker (Note: this entry summarizes the ASTM designation D7248/D7248M-23 and its purpose in classifying and quantifying aggregate fragment sizes in asphalt mixtures using standardized mechanical sieving procedures.)

Abstract

This standard describes a procedure for separating and determining the percentages of coarse and fine aggregate fragments in compacted and loose asphalt mixtures using a calibrated mechanical sieve shaker and specified sieves. It provides definitions, apparatus requirements, sample preparation, sieving procedures, calculations, and reporting conventions to ensure repeatable and comparable results across laboratories and field settings.

General information

• Status: Current (active) standard, designated 23 indicating the 2023 year of last revision or confirmation
• Publication date: 2023
• Publisher: ASTM International
• ICS / categories: 93.080.30 (Road engineering materials); Materials testing / bituminous mixtures
• Edition / version: D7248/D7248M-23
• Number of pages: Typically short procedure — commonly 6 to 10 pages (format may vary by publisher)

Scope

This test method covers the laboratory procedure to determine the distribution of coarse and fine aggregate fragments in asphalt mixtures by mechanical sieving. It is intended for use with compacted or loose samples of asphalt paving mixtures and is suitable for quality control, mix design verification, and research. The test establishes mass percentages retained on specified sieves, allowing evaluation of aggregate gradation after compaction or processing.

Key topics and requirements

• Definitions of coarse and fine aggregate fractions and related terminology
• Required apparatus including calibrated mechanical sieve shaker, specified series of sieves, balance, oven, and sample splitting tools
• Sample preparation: drying, cooling, and disaggregation as required to remove asphalt binder effects
• Sieving procedure: chosen sieve sizes, duration and motion of mechanical shaker, and handling to avoid particle breakage
• Calculations: mass percent retained on each sieve, cumulative percentages, and reporting of results
• Precision and bias considerations, including repeatability guidance where provided
• Reporting requirements: full description of sample, test conditions, and results in percent by mass

Typical use and users

This standard is used by highway agencies, asphalt mix designers, materials testing laboratories, pavement contractors, and research institutions. Typical applications include quality control during production and placement of asphalt mixtures, verification of gradation and aggregate content for mix design compliance, forensic analysis of pavement materials, and laboratory research on mixture properties.

Related standards

Related ASTM standards commonly referenced with this method include other asphalt mixture and aggregate test methods for gradation, binder content, compaction and density (for example, methods for sieve analysis of aggregates, asphalt content by ignition oven or extraction, and compaction procedures). It is often used in conjunction with standards addressing binder content, Marshall or gyratory compaction, and gradation specifications.

Keywords

asphalt mixtures; aggregate fragments; sieve analysis; gradation; mechanical sieve shaker; coarse aggregate; fine aggregate; mix design; pavement materials; ASTM D7248/D7248M-23

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM D7248/D7248M-23 is a standardized test method that defines procedures to determine the percentages of coarse and fine aggregate fragments in asphalt mixtures using mechanical sieving.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers apparatus, sample preparation, mechanical sieving procedures, calculations, precision guidance, and reporting requirements for determining aggregate fragment distributions in compacted or loose asphalt mixture samples.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Highway and transportation agencies, materials testing laboratories, asphalt mix designers, pavement contractors, and researchers use this method for quality control, mix verification, and research.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The designation D7248/D7248M-23 indicates the standard was issued or confirmed in 2023 and is current as of that designation. Users should check with ASTM International for any subsequent revisions or withdrawals.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is part of ASTM's suite of standards for asphalt materials and aggregates and is commonly used alongside other test methods for gradation, binder content, and compaction procedures.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Asphalt mixtures, aggregate fragments, sieve analysis, gradation, mechanical sieve shaker, coarse aggregate, fine aggregate, mix design.