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D1560-15 – Standard Test Method Technical Guide
🛠️ Apparatus and Key Components
ASTM D1560‑15 covers the determination of resistance to deformation and cohesion of compacted asphalt mixtures using the Hveem apparatus. The primary equipment includes the Hveem stabilometer, a triaxial testing device composed of a rubber sleeve within a metal cylinder containing a liquid, which registers the horizontal pressure developed under a vertical load. The Hveem cohesiometer measures the force required to break or bend the sample as a cantilever beam.
Supporting apparatus specified in the standard includes a compression testing machine with a minimum capacity of 10,000 lbf (44.5 kN) and an oven capable of maintaining a temperature of 140 ± 5°F (60 ± 3°C).
| 🟦 Equipment | 📏 Specification | 📐 Function |
|---|---|---|
| Testing Machine | 10,000 lbf (44.5 kN) min. capacity | Apply vertical load to stabilometer |
| Conditioning Oven | 140 ± 5°F (60 ± 3°C) | Specimen temperature conditioning |
| Stabilometer | Triaxial cell, rubber sleeve, fluid | Measure lateral pressure (deformation) |
| Cohesiometer | Cantilever beam mechanism | Measure breaking/bending force (cohesion) |
| Push‑Out Device | Mechanical or hydraulic press | Specimen extraction from mold |
💡 Key Consideration for Reliable Results: The quality of the results produced by this standard is highly dependent on the competence of personnel and the capability, calibration, and maintenance of the equipment used. Agencies meeting the criteria of Specification D3666 are generally considered capable of competent and objective testing.
⚙️ Measured Properties and Test Conditions
The standard defines two distinct test methods. The resistance to deformation test determines the lateral pressure developed inside the stabilometer when a vertical load is applied. The cohesion test determines the force required to break or bend the compacted specimen in the cohesiometer. Values are stated in inch‑pound units as standard, with the specific exception that the steel shot flow rate for the cohesiometer is expressed in g/min. Metric equivalents are provided for information only and are not considered standard.
| 🎯 Test Method | ⚡ Primary Measurement | 🔍 Typical Application |
|---|---|---|
| Stabilometer | Horizontal (lateral) pressure under vertical load | Mix design, specification compliance |
| Cohesiometer | Force to break/bend cantilever beam | Fine mixes, sand mixes, cold mixes |
| Specimen Prep | California Kneading Compactor | Per ASTM D1561 |
📊 Significance and Use
Deformation and cohesion results serve both specification and mix design purposes. They are valuable for compliance testing of aggregate properties and the final mix. The cohesion test, in particular, is frequently employed for fine mixes such as sand mixes where tensile strength is of primary importance. It is also commonly used in the design of cold mixes containing emulsified asphalt.
⚠️ Safety and Responsibility: This standard does not purport to address all safety concerns associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
🔍 What does the Hveem stabilometer measure?
It measures the lateral pressure developed inside the liquid‑filled cylinder by a compacted test specimen as a vertical load is applied, indicating the mixture’s resistance to deformation.
💡 When is the Hveem cohesiometer test most critically applied?
It is especially important for fine mixes like sand mixes and for cold mixes containing emulsified asphalt, where evaluating cohesion or tensile strength is a major factor in the design or specification.
⚡ What are the standard units for this test method?
The standard requires inch‑pound units. A notable exception is the steel shot flow rate for the cohesiometer, which is specifically expressed in g/min units.
📌 What is the required temperature for conditioning test specimens?
An oven capable of maintaining a steady temperature of 140 ± 5°F (60 ± 3°C) is required for conditioning the compacted specimens prior to testing.