3.1 This test method is useful in confirming that a material has been added to the asphalt to provide a significant elastomeric characteristic. It does not necessarily identify the type or amount of material added.

Note 1: The quality of results produced by this standard is 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 guidance provides a means of evaluating and controlling some of those factors.

1.1 This test method assesses the elastic recovery of an asphalt material measured by the recoverable strain determined after severing an elongated briquet specimen of the material of the form described in 4.1. The specimens are pulled to a specified distance 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 %.

1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system are not necessarily exact equivalents; therefore, to ensure conformance with the standard, each system shall be used independently of the other, and values from the two systems shall not be combined.

1.3 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 Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for details and EPA’s website (http://www.epa.gov/mercury/index.htm) for additional information. Users should be aware that selling mercury and/or mercury-containing products in your state may be prohibited by state law.

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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

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.