Determination of Indirect Tensile (IDT)

Strength of Bituminous Mixtures

(ASTM D6931 – 07)

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 SCOPE

• This test covers procedures for preparing

and testing laboratory-fabricated or field-
recovered cores of bituminous mixtures to
determine the Indirect Tensile (IDT)
Strength.

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Significance and Use
• To determine the potential for field
pavement moisture damage.

• To evaluate the relative quality of

bituminous mixtures in conjunction with
laboratory mix design testing and for
estimating the potential for rutting or
cracking.

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Summary of Test Method

• The IDT strength of bituminous mixtures

is conducted by loading a cylindrical
specimen across its vertical diametral
plane at a specified rate (50 mm/min) of
deformation and test temperature (25ºC).

• The peak load at failure is recorded and

used to calculate the IDT strength of the
specimen
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Test Equipment

Universal Testing Machine 5

 SAMPLE PREPARATION
• Gyratory Compacted Samples

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 Sample Preparation /
Conditioning

3 Conditioned Specimens
3 Dry Specimens

Soak at 60oC for 24 hours

Soak at 25oC for 2 hours

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 Moisture Sensitivity

Determine the tensile strengths

of both sets of 3 specimens

Calculate the Tensile

Strength Ratio (TSR)

Avg. wet tensile strength

TSR =
Avg. dry tensile strength

Minimum of 80% needed

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TENSILE STRENGTH
CALCULATION

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TENSILE STRENGTH RATIO
CALCULATION

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