Standard Method of Test for Asphalt Cement Content of Asphalt Concrete Mixtures by the Nuclear Method 1. SCOPE LA This method covers the quantita tive determination of the asphalt cement content of asphalt concrete mixtures by testing sample with a device that uti- lizes neutron thermalization techniques, 1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard. ‘The metric equivalents of inch-pound units may be approximate, 2. REFERENCED DOCUMENTS. 2A AASHTO Standards: T2 Sampling Aggregate T 168. Sampling Bituminous Pavement Mixtures Moisture or Volatile Distllates in Bituri- nous Paving Mixture 2.2 Manufacturer'sinstructionman- val T 110 3. SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 3.1 This method can be used for rap- idly determining the asphalt content of asphalt paving mixtures. Testing can be completed in a matter of minutes so that adjustments, if necessary, can be made in the asphalt metering system with @ limited amount of mix production. The procedure is useful in the determination ‘of asphalt content only, as it does not provide extracted aggregate for grada- tion analysis, 3.2. Unless the test sample is com- pletely free of moisture, such percentage ust be determined as outlined in Sec- 760 AASHTO DESIGNATION: T 287-93! (ASTM DESIGNATION: D 4125-92) tion 8.3 and a correction made to com- pensate for the moisture. 4. APPARATUS. 4.1 While exact details of construc- tion for the apparatus may vary, the sys- tem shall consist ofthe following items: 4.1.1 Neutron Source—An encapso- lated and sealed radioactive source such as amercium-241 beryllium, 41.2 Detectors—Any type of ther- ‘mal neutron detector, such as belium-3 or boron ti-floride. 413 Read-Out Instrument, such as a scaler or a direct-reading digital device calibrated in percent asphalt 42 Variability of Apparatus: 4.2.1 Variability of the apparatus at G:percent asphalt content shall be no sgreater than 0.05 percent for a 4-min- ‘ute count. 42.2 The variability of the apparatus is determined from the slope of the cali- bration curve and the standard deviation of the count rate. Variability is calculated as follows: v SDIS apparatus variabil ccent asphalt, in per- SD. = standard deviation, incounts per automatically timed period, and S = slope, in counts per percent as- hak The standard deviation is calculated from 20 individual automatically timed readings (per manufacturer's instructions for operation of the equipment). Counts are taken on a sample with asphalt cement content within = 0.5 percent of the mix design, 423 The range of control mix should be between 2 and 14 percent as- phalt cement by weight. 43. Other Apparatus: 43.1. Balance, capable of weighing to 33 Ib (15 kg), readable 10 0.0002 Ib ae. 43.2 Oven, capable of heating 0350 + SF (77 = ¥C). 433. Susightedge, steel, approxi- mately 18 in, (450 mm) in length. 434 Plywood, % in. (20 mm) or heavier, or in. (10 mn) or heavier metal plate having an area slightly larger than. the top of the sample pans 43.8 Assorted spoons and mixing bowls. 43.6 Thermometer with a tempera- ture range $0 to 500°F (10 to 300°C), PRECAUTIONS 5.1 The equipment shall be so con- structed as to be licensable in accordance ‘with applicable health and safety regula tions. 52. Equipment operators should ‘wear an approved form of radiation do- simetry (Le., film badges) capable of ‘monitoring the occupational radiation ex- posure. 53. Since nuclear equipment mes- sures the total amount of hydrogen in the sample, this procedure is sensitive to changes in moisture content. It must bbe remembered that both asphalt cement and water contain hydrogen, SA Keep any other source of neutron radiation at least 30 ft (10 m) from the ‘equipment. Do not place the equipment where large amounts of hydrogenows ma- terial may be moved during the calibra- tion or testing procedures (for examples, water or plastic materials) 5.5 When moving the gauge, there may be an effect on the results,7287 6. SAMPLING 6.1 Obtain samples of aggregate in accordance with AASHTO Method T 2. 62. Obain samples of the freshly produced asphalt concrete in accordance with AASHTO Method T 168, 7. CALIBRATION 7A This method is sensitive to the type of aggregate, percentage and source of asphalt cement, and to the aggregate gradation. Accordingly, a calibration Curve must be developed for each mix type. A dry aggregate count should be made often enough to ensure that ‘changes in aggregate do not occur unno- ticed. If a significant change is noted in this count (+ 03 percent), a new calibration should be run. The curve can bbe established with three or more points. TAL Sample the aggregate at the plant in accordance with Section 6.1 and blend the aggregates in the proper pro- portions, Enough aggregate should be obtained for a minimum of three sam- piles. Approximately 65 Ib (30 kg) total will be required. 7.1.2 Place the dry hot aggregate i a tared sample pan—a minimum of two equal layers. The aggregate shall be oven-dried at 300° = 15°F (143° = §°C) for a minimum of 3 hours or to constant ‘weight. Use a spatula to distribute the aggregate uniformly, so that the coarse and fine material does not segregate (Too much spading can cause the fines to migrate to the bottom, resulting in excessive sample weight) For each layer, raise and drop the pan approximately ‘one inch, four times. Be sure that the ‘pan bottom strikes evenly. Fill the pan with the second layer slightly above the top rim. Place the straightedge firmly across the rim and, using a sawing mo- tion, strike off the Surface of the sample, so that it is flush with the rim, Gaps between the straightedge and the sample shall be filed with fine aggregate and the sample leveled. Do not compact the sample. Obtain and record the tempera- ture and weight of the sample, Obtain sample count per manufacture’s instruc- dons. This count will be used to deter- METHODS OF SAMPLING AND TESTING mine if changes occur inthe aggregate tied dusing construction 73 all bowls, sample pans, and tools should be hested to 300" = 15°F (149° = 8°C), An initial or “baer” mix is required to condition the mixing equip- mmeat Mix a mninium of three soph Concrete samples to cover the approxi- ‘mate range of the design asphalt content. Mix one atthe design asphalt content, cone 1.0 percent above and one 1.0 per cent below, or at ober percentages as required to cover the range of expected tre. Use the same grade and pe of spake as will be wsed in the asphal concrete mixture to be tested 71a. Fill the sample pan one-half full, evenly distibuting. the sample in the pan. Level the asphalt concrete mix- ture with a towel or spatula, Fill the remainder ofthe pan until the weight of the asphalt conerete mixture in the pan equals the dry aggregate weight. Ifthe pan is not fell fill the pan to the point that the asphalt concrete mixture. is rounded slightly above the top of the pan, Record weight of the asphalt con- fete mixture in the pan, This is the weight that is to be used forall calibra: tion and test samples using this calibra- tin, Level the top of the asphalt concrete mixture using a spatula or towel. Use the metal plat o plywood to consolidate the asphalt concrete minture uni tis ven withthe top edge of the pan. All specimens should be compacted a atm perature between 250'=300" = 10°F (21-149 = GC) to ensure that the mix will compact properly. TAS. Obtain an record the tempera- ture of the sample. Tis isthe tempera- ture (= 10°F (& 6°C) at which ll sam ples and. calibration pans must be ounted, unless the gauge has. tempera: tore compensation capability. Place the sample pan containing the asphalt con- crete mixture sample in the gauge and proceed as per manufacturer's instrc- tions for operation of the equipment and the sequence of operation. 711.6 Repeat Sections 7.1.4 and7.1.5 for the remainder ofthe calibration sam- ples, Using the same weight of asphalt Concrete mixture in each pan TA.7 Prepare a calibration curve by ploting the calibration asphalt conerete tinture sample readings versus asphalt content on Linear graph paper, choosing 761 convenient scale factors for counts and asphalt content. Connect the points with 8 straight line. On some gauges this line ray be generated internal to the gauge. To be considered acceptable, a calibra: tion should have a correlation factor ‘greater than or equal 10 0.995. Comrelation factor Y, = Actual percent asphalt values for each sample Y¥, = Calculated percent asphalt values from curve Y= Mean value of the actual prcent- ages asphalt, i = Number of calibration samples 7A.8 Repeat the calibration proce- dure for each asphalt concrete mixture that is to be used on the project. NOTE 1—This procedure can be used with recycled asphalt pavement (RAP), incarpo- rated into the mixture, provided thatthe RAP is of uniform graduation, asphalt content, and asphalt type, When RAP is used, the RAP should be mixed inthe calibration samples at {he same rate that will be used in the asphalt concrete mixture being tested, 8. PREPARATION OF MIXTURE TEST SAMPLE 8.1 The sample portion to be tested should provide approximately 15.4 Ib (7 kg) per test unit. ‘82 The test sample must be checked for moisture content. The provisions of T 110 may be used. If moisture is present, the percentage determined must be sub- tracted from the apparent asphalt per- centage as indicated by the nuclear method. Altematively, the sample may bbe dried to a constant mass in an oven at 230° = °F (110° + $°C); thereby nullifying the need for a moisture correc tion. Asphalic samples should not re ‘main in the oven for longer than 2 hours prior to placement in the gauge. Loss of hhydrogen could cause an inaccurate762 9. PROCEDURE, 9.1 Using a hot asphalt concrete mixture sample having a temperature of 250°-300" = 10°F (121°-149" = 6°C) obtained in accordance with Section 6.2, fill the sample pan one-half full, evenly distribute the sample in the pan, Level the asphalt concrete mixture with a twowel or spatula. Fill the remainder of the pan until the weight of the asphalt concrete mixture in the pan equals the ‘weight of mix samples used for ealibra- tion. Record weight of the, asphalt con crete mixture in the pan. Level the top of asphalt concrete mixture using a spat- ula or trowel. Use the metal plate or plywood t0 compact the asphalt concrete mixture until itis even with the top of the pan 9.2 Obtain and record the tempera- ture of the sample. The starting test tem- perature should be in the range of = 10°F ( 6°C) of the calibration temperature 9.3. Place the sample in the gauge and follow the manufacturer's instruc- tions to obtain sample counts, Determine apparent asphalt content and correct for moisture content 10. STANDARDIZATION 10.1 All nuclear devices are subject, to long term aging of the radioactive source, detectors, and other electronic systems, which may change the relation- METHODS OF SAMPLING AND TESTING ship between count rate and asphalt con- tent. Because of this aging, new calibra- tion curves should be run each yeat, ‘Changes in the surroundings of the as- phalt content gauge may also produce increases or decreases in count rate. In ‘order to minimize these effects back- ground counts must be taken daily, and the gauges should be kept out of the proximity of water or other hydroge- nous substances. NOTE 2—if the equipment is being used cither continuously or intermittently during the day, itis generally best to leave it in the “power on” condition during the day #0 prevent having to repeat the background ‘count, This will provide mote stable and com sistent raul, 10.2 _ Dry aggregate standard count. 102.1. Tum on the equipment and allow for stabilization of the equipment in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. 10.2.2 Fill the sample pan one-half full of hot dry aggregate (dried to con: stant weight and at the temperature of the aggregate sample used during cali- bration = 10°F (+ 6°C), Place the dry hot aggregate in a tared sample pan in two equal layers. For each layer, raise and drop the pan approximately one inch, four times. Be sure that the pan bottom strikes evenly. Use a spatula to distribute the aggregate to avoid segregation. Add to or remove aggregate until the weight ‘of aggregate in the pan is equal to the ‘weight of aggregate used in the calibra: tion (Section 7.1.2). Using a straight. 7287 edge, level the top of the aggregate sam- ple until itis even with the top of the sample pan. Obtain and record the tem- perature of the sample. 10.2.3. Place the hot blended aggre- {gate into the gauge and proceed as per ‘manufacturer's instructions for operation fof the equipment and the sequence of ‘operation. This dry aggregate count is used to determine changes in aggregates which affect counts. NOTE 31fa significant change is noted in (& 05 percent) from calibration aggregate ‘count, 4 new calibration should be run, IL, REPORT ILA The report shall include the fol- lowing: .L1 Make, model, and serial num- ber of the equipment, M12 Name of the operator, 13 Date of test, 14 Identification of asphalt and aggregate materials, ILLS Type of material and specified asphalt content, ML1.6 Calibration date and daily background counts, 11.1.7 Count rate for each sample and the corrected asphalt content, mois- ture content, and 11.1.8 Weight of sample, method of sampling, and method of compaction,