ASTM D7981-15 - 1.8.2015
 
Significance and Use

5.1 Asphalt prisms compacted with the Shear Box Compactor can be used to obtain specimens for further testing, including bulk specific gravity following Test Methods D6752 and D2726, Dynamic modulus following AASHTO T342, dynamic modulus, flow number, and flow time following AASHTO TP79, and fatigue performance characteristics following AASHTO T321.

5.2 Specimens to perform other standard tests could also be obtained, as long as their volume is contained within the volume of a prism having maximum width, length and height (W×L×H) of 150 mm, 450 mm, and 185 mm, respectively.

Note 1: The aggregate orientation in the samples produced by this method maybe different from samples produced by other laboratory compaction methods. This should be considered when comparing mechanical test results from different compaction methods.

Note 2: The quality of the results produced by this standard are dependent on the competence of the personnel performing the procedure and the capability, calibration, and maintenance of the equipment used. Agencies that meet the criteria of Specification D3666 are generally considered capable of competent and objective testing/sampling/inspection/etc. Users of this standard are cautioned that compliance with Specification D3666 alone does not completely assure reliable results. Reliable results depend on many factors chr(59). Following the suggestions of Specification D3666 or some similar acceptable guideline provides a means of evaluating and controlling some of those factors.

 
1. Scope

1.1 This practice covers the fabrication of prismatic specimens of asphalt mixture using the Shear Box Compactor (SBC). Compacted specimens are suitable for volumetric and physical property testing. This standard practice should not be used for acceptance or rejection of a material or for purchasing purposes.

1.2 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard with exception of degrees (°) where angle is specified.

1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.4 The text of this standard references notes and footnotes which provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes (excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be considered as requirements of the standard.

 
2. Referenced Documents

D2726-11

Standard Test Method for Bulk Specific Gravity and Density of Non-Absorptive Compacted Bituminous Mixtures

E644-11(2025)

Standard Test Methods for Testing Industrial Resistance Thermometers

D6752-09

Standard Test Method for Bulk Specific Gravity and Density of Compacted Bituminous Mixtures Using Automatic Vacuum Sealing Method

D3666-26

Standard Specification for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Testing and Inspecting Road and Paving Materials

D2041-03

Standard Test Method for Theoretical Maximum Specific Gravity and Density of Bituminous Paving Mixtures

D6857-09

Standard Test Method for Maximum Specific Gravity and Density of Bituminous Paving Mixtures Using Automatic Vacuum Sealing Method

D1188-07

Standard Test Method for Bulk Specific Gravity and Density of Compacted Bituminous Mixtures Using Coated Samples

D6925-23

Standard Test Method for Preparation and Determination of the Relative Density of Asphalt Mix Specimens by Means of the Superpave Gyratory Compactor