A new ASTM International standard will provide paving contactors and producers with instructions for preparing cold mix asphalt samples for testing. The standard, D 7229, Test Method for Preparation and Determination of the Bulk Specific Gravity of Dense-Graded Cold Mix Asphalt (CMA) Specimens by Means of the Superpave Gyratory Compactor, was developed by Subcommittee D04.27 on Cold Mix Asphalts, under the jurisdiction of ASTM International Committee D04 on Road and Paving Materials.
 
Test Method D 7229 is used to prepare specimens for determination of the bulk specific gravity of a cured compacted specimen. It is applicable for road mixes or plant mixes prepared at ambient temperatures. The device used for testing, a superpave gyratory compactor, is an electrohydraulic or electromechanical compactor with a ram and ram heads.
 
In addition to contractors and producers, states, counties and townships that use cold mix asphalt for their paving needs will find Test Method D 7229 useful.
 
Michael Pemberton, president, Unique Paving Materials Corporation, says that Subcommittee D04.27 is always looking for more participation in their work to develop test methods, practices and specifications for cold mix asphalt materials.

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

For further technical information, contact Michael Pemberton, Unique Paving Materials Corporation, Cleveland, Ohio (phone: 216/441-4880; mpemberton@upm.com). Committee D04 meets Dec. 5-7, during the December Committee Week in Atlanta, Ga. For membership or meeting information, contact Daniel Smith, manager, Technical Committee Operations, ASTM International (phone: 610/832-9727; dsmith@astm.org).

Release #7484