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D1073-16 – Standard Test Method Technical Guide
🏗️ Scope, Terminology, and General Characteristics
According to Section 1 of the standard, this specification covers fine aggregate intended for use in asphalt paving mixtures. It is designed to describe material from a single source. The standard defines fine aggregate in Section 5.1 as aggregate passing the 9.5 mm (3⁄8 in.) sieve and almost entirely passing the 4.75 mm (No. 4) sieve. It can consist of natural sand, manufactured fine aggregate, or a combination thereof. For definitions of aggregate types, the standard cross-references Descriptive Nomenclature C294, and Terminologies D8 and C125. A specific definition is also provided for expanded shale, clay, and slate, which are products resulting from the expanding of selected materials in a rotary kiln at temperatures over 1000 °C (Section 3.1.2).
📋 Ordering Information and Supplementary Requirements
Proper procurement under this specification requires detailed ordering information as outlined in Section 4. Purchase orders must clearly state the specification designation including the year (D1073-16), the desired grading from Table 1 or an alternative grading specified by the purchaser, and any supplementary requirements such as sulfate soundness testing (Supplementary Requirement S1). This test, performed in accordance with Test Method C88/C88M, evaluates the aggregate’s resistance to weathering. The standard also explicitly requires specification of any exceptions or additions to the standard clauses. Sampling of materials must follow Practice D75/D75M and Practice D3665 for random sampling protocols.
📊 Grading Requirements and Quality Tests
The grading of fine aggregate is a critical factor in the performance of asphalt paving mixtures. The standard provides specific sieve analysis limits in Table 1 to control the particle size distribution. The following table summarizes typical grading requirements for different applications. It is crucial that testing for conformance be conducted in accordance with Test Method C136/C136M for sieve analysis and Test Method C117 for material finer than the 75-µm (No. 200) sieve.
| 🟦 Sieve Size | 📏 Coarse Grading (% Passing) | 📏 Medium Grading (% Passing) | 📏 Fine Grading (% Passing) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9.5 mm (3/8 in.) | 100 | 100 | 100 |
| 4.75 mm (No. 4) | 95 – 100 | 95 – 100 | 95 – 100 |
| 2.36 mm (No. 8) | 80 – 100 | 80 – 100 | 80 – 100 |
| 1.18 mm (No. 16) | 50 – 85 | 65 – 90 | 75 – 90 |
| 300 µm (No. 50) | 15 – 30 | 20 – 35 | 30 – 50 |
| 150 µm (No. 100) | 5 – 15 | 5 – 15 | 8 – 20 |
| 75 µm (No. 200) | 2 – 10 | 2 – 10 | 2 – 10 |
⚠️ Important Note on Blending: As stated in Section 1.2, the grading requirements of Table 1 are not applicable when material from two or more sources is blended to meet the final mix grading. It is recommended that the specifying or ordering agency specify the alternative gradings and blend ratios to be supplied.
In addition to grading, the specification addresses the quality of the aggregate. Supplementary Requirement S1 provides an option for a sulfate soundness test. The standard can specify limits for both sodium sulfate and magnesium sulfate testing. Furthermore, the plasticity index of the material passing the 75-µm (No. 200) sieve must be evaluated according to Test Methods D4318 to ensure the aggregate is free from deleterious plastic fines that can negatively impact the asphalt binder performance.
💡 SI Unit Compliance: The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard. Sieve numbers shown in the text and Table 1 are labels only and are included for ease of reference of the user of this standard.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
🔍 What standard testing procedures are referenced for quality control?
The standard mandates several key test methods. These include C136/C136M for sieve analysis, C117 for determining materials finer than 75-µm, C88/C88M for sulfate soundness, D4318 for plasticity index, and D75/D75M for sampling procedures.
💡 How does the standard define fine aggregate?
Fine aggregate is defined in Section 5.1 as aggregate passing the 9.5 mm (3/8 in.) sieve and almost entirely passing the 4.75 mm (No. 4) sieve. It may consist of natural sand, manufactured fine aggregate, or a combination thereof.
⚡ What is the purpose of the sulfate soundness test (C88/C88M)?
This optional Supplementary Requirement (S1) simulates the effect of weathering and freeze-thaw cycles on the aggregate. The purchaser must specify whether sodium or magnesium sulfate is to be used for the test, as each provides a different measure of durability.
📌 What are the mandatory ordering requirements for this specification?
According to Section 4, the purchase order must include the specification designation and year, the required grading (either from Table 1 or an alternative), any supplementary requirements like soundness testing, and any specific exceptions or additions to the standard.