ASTM D6927-22 PDF

Full title and description

ASTM D6927-22 — Standard Test Method for Marshall Stability and Flow of Asphalt Mixtures. This test method describes the determination of the resistance to plastic flow (Marshall stability) and associated flow of cylindrical specimens of asphalt mixtures using the Marshall apparatus; it is intended for dense-graded mixtures prepared with modified or unmodified asphalt binder and with maximum aggregate up to 1 in (25 mm).

Abstract

ASTM D6927-22 specifies the procedure for preparing and loading 4 in (102 mm) cylindrical specimens in a direction perpendicular to the cylinder axis in the Marshall apparatus, records the maximum load (stability) and the corresponding deformation (flow), and provides reporting and units conventions (inch–pound as standard with SI conversions). The method is suitable for evaluating mixture resistance to plastic flow for quality control, mix design, and comparative performance assessment.

General information

• Status: Current / Active (ASTM D6927-22 is the 2022 active edition).
• Publication date: November 1, 2022.
• Publisher: ASTM International (American Society for Testing and Materials).
• ICS / categories: 93.080.20 — Road construction materials / asphalt mixtures.
• Edition / version: D6927-22 (2022 edition).
• Number of pages: 7 pages (concise test method).

Scope

This test method covers measurement of resistance to plastic flow of 4 in (102 mm) cylindrical specimens of asphalt mixture loaded perpendicular to the cylindrical axis with the Marshall apparatus. It applies to dense-graded asphalt mixtures prepared with asphalt binder (modified or unmodified) with maximum aggregate size up to 1 in (25 mm). Units in inch–pound are primary; SI conversions are provided for information. Users are reminded that the standard does not address all safety concerns associated with testing and that appropriate laboratory safety practices should be followed.

Key topics and requirements

• Specimen geometry and dimensions: 4 in (102 mm) diameter cylindrical specimens and preparation requirements.
• Loading procedure: application of load perpendicular to the specimen axis using the Marshall apparatus at the specified rate until stability (maximum load) is reached; measurement of flow (deformation) at the stability point.
• Reporting: Marshall stability (force) and flow (deformation, typically mm or 0.01 in units), test temperature, specimen conditioning, and any deviations from the method.
• Applicability: dense-graded mixes with aggregate up to 1 in (25 mm); suitable for mix design, QC/QA, and comparative evaluations.
• Units and precision: inch–pound units are standard; SI conversions are informational; referenced practices for precision/bias may apply (see referenced ASTM practices).

Typical use and users

Pavement design engineers, DOT materials laboratories, commercial testing laboratories, asphalt mix designers, contractors, and academic researchers commonly use ASTM D6927-22 for Marshall mix design procedures, quality control checks, and comparative performance testing of asphalt mixtures where Marshall-based criteria are accepted. It is frequently used where local specifications or historical practice rely on Marshall stability/flow metrics.

Related standards

ASTM D6927-22 references and is commonly used alongside related ASTM standards and practices such as ASTM C670 (precision statements), D1188, D2726 (bulk specific gravity), D3549, D3666, D6752, D6926, and others used in asphalt mixture preparation and volumetric determinations. Equivalent or complementary methods (regional or national) and AASHTO-related practices may be used in parallel depending on jurisdiction.

Keywords

Marshall stability, Marshall flow, asphalt mixtures, Marshall test, pavement materials, mix design, dense-graded asphalt, asphalt binder, specimen preparation, ASTM D6927.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM D6927-22 is the 2022 edition of the Standard Test Method for Marshall Stability and Flow of Asphalt Mixtures; it defines the Marshall test procedure for measuring stability and flow of cylindrical asphalt specimens.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers specimen preparation, test apparatus and loading, measurement of maximum load (stability) and corresponding deformation (flow), reporting requirements, and units conventions for dense-graded asphalt mixtures with aggregate up to 1 in (25 mm).

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Materials laboratories, state and local DOTs, asphalt mix designers, contractors, and researchers use the standard for Marshall-based mix design, QC/QA, and comparative material evaluations.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The D6927-22 edition (approved November 1, 2022) is the current active edition, replacing the previous (2015) edition. Users should confirm if any amendments or corrigenda have been published since the 2022 edition.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: D6927 is part of the suite of ASTM test methods for asphalt mixtures and materials (Committee D04), and it is commonly referenced alongside companion standards and practices for specimen preparation, density determinations, and precision/bias statements. It follows the historical sequence of D6927 editions (earlier 2015, 2006 editions, etc.).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Marshall stability, flow, Marshall test, asphalt mixtures, mix design, dense-graded, specimen, Marshall apparatus.