Current methods for determining bulk specific gravity of aggregate are often time-consuming and not ideal for quality control checks during construction. However, a new ASTM International standard provides a fast method for determining the consistency of aggregate properties that are used in asphalt and concrete mixtures. Committee D04 on Road and Paving Materials has approved ASTM D7370, Test Method for Determination of Relative Density and Absorption of Fine, Coarse and Blended Aggregate Using Combined Vacuum Saturation and Rapid Submersion, which was developed under the jurisdiction of Subcommittee D04.51 on Aggregate Tests.

"A significant advantage of this test method is that it provides methodology for testing fine, coarse and combined (coarse plus fine) aggregates," says Ali Regimand, president, InstroTek Inc., and a member of Committee D04. "This test can be accomplished in less than 30 minutes, which makes it a good candidate for quality control testing at asphalt and concrete plants." Regimand also notes that, using ASTM D7370, it is possible to test an entire blend of aggregates at once, without proportioning them into fine and coarse fractions.

According to Regimand, asphalt and concrete producers will be the main users of D7370, but it will also be used by any industry concerned with measuring specific gravity of solid granular materials.

ASTM International standards can be purchased from Customer Service (phone: 610-832-9585; https://www.astm.org/contact) or at www.astm.org.

For technical Information, contact Ali Regimand, InstroTek Inc., Raleigh, N.C. (phone: 919-875-8371; aregimand@instrotek.com). Committee D04 meets Dec. 9-11 during the December committee week in Miami Beach, Fla. For meeting or membership information, contact Daniel Smith (phone: 610-832-9727; dsmith@astm.org).

Release #8060/Sept08