This specification covers asphalt-rubber binder, consisting of a blend of paving grade asphalt cements, ground recycled tire (that is, vulcanized) rubber and other additives, as needed, for use as binder in pavement construction. The rubber shall be blended and interacted in the hot asphalt cement sufficiently to cause swelling of the rubber particles prior to use. Tests shall be performed to conform with the physical requirements of the asphalt-rubber binder, in accordance with the following test methods: apparent viscosity; modified test method; penetration; softening point; resilience; flash point; thin-film oven test residue; and penetration retention.

1.1 This specification covers asphalt-rubber binder, consisting of a blend of asphalt binder, ground recycled tire (that is, vulcanized) rubber, and other additives, as needed, for use as binder in pavement construction. The rubber shall be blended and interacted in the hot asphalt binder sufficiently to cause swelling of the rubber particles prior to use.

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 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.

1.3 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 Since a precision estimate for this standard has not been developed, the test method is to be used for research and informational purposes only. Therefore, this standard should not be used for acceptance or rejection of a material for purchasing purposes.

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.

1.5 The following precautionary caveat pertains to the test method portions only, Sections 4 and 5 of this specification: 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. Specific precautionary statements are given in 4.3.2.

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.