ASTM D979/D979M-22 PDF

Full title and description

ASTM D979/D979M-22 — Standard Practice for Sampling Asphalt Mixtures. This practice specifies procedures for taking representative samples of asphalt (bituminous) paving mixtures at points of manufacture, storage, delivery, or in place to obtain material for laboratory testing, quality control, and acceptance decisions.

Abstract

This standard provides uniform field-sampling procedures, definitions (lot, increment, test portion), and guidance on apparatus and handling to ensure samples are representative of the unit sampled. It distinguishes between sampling at production/delivery sites and sampling of compacted mixtures (which are covered by a different practice) and states that SI and inch‑pound units are to be regarded separately.

General information

• Status: Active standard (current edition approved November 1, 2022).
• Publication date: November 1, 2022 (D979/D979M-22).
• Publisher: ASTM International.
• ICS / categories: Road construction / road construction materials — ICS 93.080.10; 93.080.20 (paving materials).
• Edition / version: Designation D979/D979M-22 (2022 revision).
• Number of pages: 4 pages. DOI: 10.1520/D0979_D0979M-22.

Scope

This practice covers procedures for sampling asphalt mixtures at points of manufacture, storage, delivery, or in place to obtain representative samples for testing and evaluation. It does not cover sampling of compacted asphalt mixtures (see Practice D5361/D5361M for compacted samples). The standard treats values stated in SI and inch‑pound units as independent and emphasizes user responsibility for safety and regulatory compliance.

Key topics and requirements

• Definitions and terminology: lot, increment, unit, test portion, gross sample, and related sampling terminology.
• Sampling locations and timing: at manufacture, storage, delivery, or in-place sampling points and considerations for each.
• Sampling procedures: how to obtain increments and combine them to form a representative field sample (including recommended increment sizes and numbers for different units and lot sizes).
• Apparatus and devices: recommended tools and mechanical sampling devices for truck and plant sampling (including guidance on mechanical truck sampling devices where applicable).
• Sample handling and shipment: preparation of test portions, labeling, packaging, and transport to laboratory to preserve sample integrity.
• Units and measurement: SI and inch‑pound units are both published but treated independently; do not mix values from the two systems.
• Limitations: excludes sampling of compacted mixtures (referenced to Practice D5361/D5361M).

Typical use and users

Used by highway agencies, transportation departments, contractors, plant operators, material testing laboratories, and construction quality control/quality assurance personnel for routine sampling, acceptance testing, and investigation of paving mixtures.

Related standards

Commonly referenced documents include Practice D5361/D5361M (sampling of compacted asphalt mixtures), Practice D2234/D2234M (collection of a gross sample), Practice D3665 (random sampling of construction materials), and Test Method D2726/D2726M (bulk specific gravity and density testing procedures). The standard is maintained by ASTM Committee D04 (Subcommittee D04.30).

Keywords

asphalt mixture, bituminous paving mixture, sampling, increment, lot, test portion, mechanical truck sampling, field sampling, QC, acceptance testing, paving materials.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM D979/D979M-22 is the ASTM standard practice that defines procedures for sampling asphalt (bituminous) paving mixtures at manufacture, storage, delivery, or in place to obtain representative field samples for laboratory testing and quality evaluation.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers where and how to take increments, combine them into field samples, recommended apparatus, sample handling and shipment, and unit conventions (SI and inch‑pound). It does not cover sampling of compacted mixtures.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Highway/transportation agencies, contractors, paving plant operators, materials laboratories, and QC/QA personnel involved in asphalt mixture production and acceptance testing.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The current edition is D979/D979M-22, approved and published in 2022; it supersedes earlier editions such as D979/D979M-15. The standard is listed as active.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is part of ASTM Committee D04 (Road and Paving Materials) publications and is commonly used together with related sampling and test methods for asphalt and paving materials (for example, D5361/D5361M for compacted mixtures and laboratories' test methods for volumetrics and density).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Asphalt mixture, sampling, increment, lot, field sample, test portion, paving mixture, mechanical sampling device, QC, acceptance testing.