4.1 This practice provides an accelerated conditioning method under cyclic loading. This system is capable of operating at higher than normal temperatures and creating pore pressure within a compacted asphalt mixture to achieve an acceleration of the effects that a mixture would experience over time from traffic at normal temperatures and conditions. The accelerated conditioning in this practice is intended to simulate the stresses induced in a wet pavement by a passing vehicle tire. The pulse shape produced by this system approximates a Lorentzian function with a half peak width of approximately 1 s at 276 kPa [40 psi].

4.2 The factors that influence the potential for moisture damage to occur include aggregate mineralogy, mixture air voids, water, cyclic applied stress, and elevated temperature. This practice provides a method and apparatus that is capable of producing three of these factors: water, stress, and high temperature. Aggregate mineralogy and air voids are mixture properties.

4.3 Specimens conditioned by this system can be tested using a variety of different tests, including Test Method D6931, Test Method D6927, bulk specific gravity difference obtained by Test Method D6926 or D6752/D6752M for before and after conditioning, dynamic modulus, flow number, AASHTO T 378, and visual inspection for stripped aggregates.

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 acceptance guideline provides a means of evaluating and controlling some of those factors.

1.1 This practice includes procedures for preparing compacted asphalt mixture specimens, exposing the specimens to hydrostatic pore pressure inside an enclosed chamber, and guidance on testing the specimens for the effect of water on the tensile strength or change in other properties of the asphalt mixture, such as density, modulus, etc.

1.2 Specimens conditioned according to this practice can be tested using methods and test procedures referenced in this document, and those results may provide information as to the effect of the moisture conditioning of this practice on the moisture sensitivity of those mixtures.

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 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.

1.5 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.