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D3289-17 – Standard Test Method Technical Guide
ASTM D3289-17 (Reapproved 2022) specifies the Standard Test Method for Density of Semi-Solid and Solid Asphalt Materials (Nickel Crucible Method). This method determines the density of semi-solid and solid asphalt materials by weighing in air and in water. The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard.
📐 Scope and Apparatus
This test method covers the determination of density for semi-solid and solid asphalt materials. The required apparatus is a nickel crucible, high-form, as specified in Section 6.1.
| 🟦 Component | 📏 Specification |
|---|---|
| Material | Nickel |
| Type | High-Form Crucible |
| Capacity | approx. 30 mL |
| Height | approx. 43 mm |
| Diameter | approx. 41 mm |
⚠️ Mercury Warning: Per Section 1.3, mercury has been designated by the EPA and many state agencies as a hazardous material that can cause central nervous system, kidney, and liver damage. Caution should be taken when handling mercury and mercury-containing products.
⚙️ Test Procedure and Methodology
According to the Summary of Test Method (Section 4.1), the sample is placed in a nickel crucible and weighed in air, and then in water at the test temperature. The density is calculated from the mass of the sample and its apparent mass when weighed in water. For materials which are too fluid for this method, use Test Method D3142/D3142M (Hydrometer Method).
Key terminology defines density as the mass per unit volume of a material, and relative density (also called specific gravity) as the ratio of the mass of a given volume of a material to the mass of the same volume of water at the same temperature.
💡 Alternate and Supporting Methods: An alternate method for determining the density of semi-solid and solid asphalt materials is Test Method D70/D70M (Pycnometer Method). Sampling of materials must follow Practice D140/D140M.
📊 Significance and Referenced Standards
Values of density obtained from this test method are used for converting volumes to units of mass, and for correcting measured volumes from the temperature of measurement to a standard temperature using Practice D4311/D4311M. The standard directly references several key ASTM standards for precision, sampling, and alternate methods.
| 🟦 Referenced Standard | 📐 Title / Description |
|---|---|
| C670 | Practice for Preparing Precision and Bias Statements |
| D70/D70M | Spec. Gravity and Density of Semi-Solid Asphalt (Pycnometer) |
| D140/D140M | Practice for Sampling Asphalt Materials |
| D3142/D3142M | Density of Cutback Asphalts by Hydrometer |
| D4311/D4311M | Asphalt Volume Correction to a Base Temperature |
| E1 | Specification for ASTM Liquid-in-Glass Thermometers |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
🔍 What is the primary difference between D3289 and D70/D70M?
D3289 uses the nickel crucible method for semi-solid and solid materials, while D70/D70M uses a pycnometer. D3289 is generally preferred for solid or very stiff materials that can be directly placed into a crucible.
💡 Why is density testing critical for asphalt materials?
Density values are used for converting volumes to mass and for correcting measured volumes to a standard temperature, which is vital for quality control, mix design, and contract compliance.
⚡ What are the specific dimensions of the required crucible?
Per Section 6.1, the crucible must be nickel, high-form, with an approximate capacity of 30 mL, height of 43 mm, and diameter of 41 mm.
📌 What does “relative density” refer to in this standard?
According to Section 3.2, relative density is the ratio of the mass of a given volume of a material to the mass of the same volume of water at the same temperature. It is also called specific gravity.