ASTM International

Standard Practice for Preparation of Asphalt Mixture Specimens Using Marshall Apparatus
 N D6926

Annotation

This practice covers preparation and compaction of 4 in. (101.6 mm) diameter by nominal 2.5 in. (63.5 mm) high cylindrical asphalt paving mixture specimens. This practice is intended for use with laboratory and plant-produced asphalt mixtures with aggregate up to 1 in. (25.4 mm) maximum size and for recompaction of asphalt paving mixture samples.

There are three types of Marshall compaction apparatus in use. The following types of hammer arrangements are included in this practice:

Manually held hammer handle is attached to a flat compaction foot through a spring-loaded swivel and is hand operated (original standard developed by the United States Army Corps of Engineers).

Hammer handle restrained laterally (fixed) but not vertically, attached to a flat compaction foot through a springloaded swivel and is either mechanically or hand operated. There may or may not be a constant surcharge on top of the hammer handle. Mechanical hammers are available that operate at (1) nominal 55 blows per minute or (2) equal to or greater than 75 blows per minute.

Hammer handle restrained laterally (fixed) with constant surcharge on top of hammer, is attached to a slanted compaction foot on a rotating mold base, and is mechanically operated. This method must be used as a referee method.

Although the mass and height of mass drop for each apparatus are the same, density achieved in compacted specimens with the same number of blows will be different. It is up to the owner or specifier to establish the specific required number of blows to be used for compaction of the specimen in relation to the field.

Units—The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.