4.1 All of these test methods can be used for quantitative determinations of asphalt binder in asphalt mixtures and pavement samples for specification acceptance, service evaluation, control, and research. Each method prescribes the solvent or solvents and any other reagents that can be used in the test method.

Note 2: Further testing of the asphalt mixture may be performed by using sieve analysis on the extracted aggregate, Test Method D5444, or recovering the extracted asphalt binder from solution by Test Method D1856, Practice D5404/D5404M, or Practice D7906 for asphalt binder property testing. When recovering the asphalt binder for property testing, all mineral matter should be removed from the effluent.

Note 3: 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 These test methods cover the quantitative determination of asphalt binder content in asphalt mixtures and pavement samples. Aggregate obtained by these methods may be used for sieve analysis using Test Method D5444. This test is not appropriate for testing asphalt mixtures containing coal tar.

1.2 Asphalt binder may be recovered using Test Method D1856, Practice D5404/D5404M, or Practice D7906.

1.3 Units – The values stated in either 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 the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in nonconformance with the standard.

1.4 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.

1.5 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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. Specific hazards are given in Section 7.

Note 1: The results obtained by these test methods may be affected by the age of the material tested, with older samples tending to yield slightly lower asphalt binder content. Best quantitative results are obtained when the test is made on mixtures and pavements shortly after their preparation. It is difficult to remove all the asphalt when some aggregates are used and some chlorides may remain within the mineral matter affecting the measured asphalt content.

1.6 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.