3.1 This test method provides one measure of tensile properties of asphalt materials and may be used to measure ductility for specification requirements.

Note 1: The quality of the results produced by this standard are dependent on the competence of the personnel performing the procedure and the capability, calibration, and maintenance of the equipment used. Agencies that meet the criteria of Specification D3666 are generally considered capable of competent and objective testing, sampling, inspection, etc. Users of this standard are cautioned that compliance with Specification D3666 alone does not completely ensure reliable results. Reliable results depend on many factors; following the suggestions of Specification D3666 or some similar acceptable guideline provides a means of evaluating and controlling some of those factors.

1.1 This test method describes the procedure for determining the ductility of an asphalt material measured by the distance to which it will elongate before breaking when two ends of a briquet specimen of the material of the form described in 4.1 are pulled apart at a specified speed and at a specified temperature. Unless otherwise specified, the test shall be made at a temperature of 25 ± 0.5 °C [77 ± 0.9 °F] and with a speed of 5 cm/min ± 5.0 %. At other temperatures the speed should be specified.

1.2 Because of the large number of methods for obtaining test samples, it is impractical to discuss specific products in this test method. Refer to individual product specifications for guidance in obtaining a test sample.

1.3 The text of this standard references notes and footnotes which provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes (excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be considered as requirements of the standard.

1.4 The values stated in SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of each other. Combining values from the two systems may result in nonconformance with the standard. Bath and mold dimensions are given in SI units only, as the equipment is not available in inch-pound units.

1.5 Warning—Mercury has been designated by the United States Environmental Protection Agency and many state agencies as a hazardous material that can cause central nervous system, kidney, and liver damage. Mercury or its vapor may be hazardous to health and corrosive to materials. Caution should be taken when handling mercury and mercury-containing products. See the applicable product Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for details and the EPA’s website (http://www.epa.gov/mercury/faq.htm) for additional information. Users should be aware that selling mercury or mercury-containing products, or both, in your state may be prohibited by state law.

1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.7 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.