Designation: D 5581 – 96 (Reapproved 2001)

Standard Test Method for

Resistance to Plastic Flow of Bituminous Mixtures Using
Marshall Apparatus (6 inch-Diameter Specimen)1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 5581; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

1. Scope differ from values obtained on specimens prepared by this test

1.1 This test method covers the measurement of the resis- method.
tance to plastic flow of cylindrical specimens of bituminous 3.2 It has been determined that 75 and 112 compaction
paving mixture loaded on the lateral surface by means of the blows applied to a 6-in. (152.4 mm) diameter specimen using
Marshall apparatus. This test method is for use with mixtures the apparatus and procedure in this standard give densities
containing asphalt cement and aggregate up to 11⁄2 in. (37.5 equivalent to 50 and 75 compaction blows, respectively,
mm) nominal maximum size. applied to a 4-in. (101.6 mm) diameter specimen using Test
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded Method D 1559.
as standard except for reference to sieve sizes and size of 4. Apparatus
aggregate as measured by testing sieves in which SI units are
standard according to Specification E 11. The SI equivalent 4.1 Specimen Mold Assembly—Mold cylinders nominal 6.5
shown in parentheses may be approximate. in. (165.1 mm) outside diameter steel tubing with
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the 6.000 6 0.008 in. (152.4 6 0.2 mm) inside diameter by 4.5 in.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the (114.3 mm) in height, base plates, and extension collars shall
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- conform to the details shown in Fig. 1. Nine mold cylinders are
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- recommended.
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. 4.2 Specimen Extractor—steel, in the form of a disk with a
diameter from 5.950 to 5.990 in. (151.1 to 152.1 mm) and 0.5
2. Referenced Documents in. (13 mm) thick for extracting the compacted specimen from
2.1 ASTM Standards: the specimen mold with the use of the mold collar. A suitable
C 670 Practice for Preparing Precision and Bias Statements bar is required to transfer the load from the ring dynamometer
for Test Methods for Construction Materials2 adapter to the extension collar while extracting the specimen.
D 1559 Test Method for Resistance to Plastic Flow of 4.3 Mechanical Compactor and Compaction Hammer—
Bituminous Mixtures Using Marshall Apparatus3 Compactor with 1⁄3 hp (250W) minimum motor, chain lift,
E 11 Specification for Wire Cloth and Sieves for Testing frame, and automatic sliding weight release. The compaction
Purposes4 hammer (Fig. 2) shall have a flat, circular tamping face 5.88 in.
(149.4 mm) in diameter and a 22.50 6 0.02 lb (10.21 6 0.01
3. Significance and Use kg) sliding weight with a free fall of 18.0 6 0.1 in.
3.1 This test method is used in the laboratory mix design of (457.2 6 2.5 mm). Two compaction hammers are recom-
bituminous mixtures. Specimens are prepared in accordance mended.
with the method and tested for maximum load and flow. 4.4 Compaction Pedestal—The compaction pedestal shall
Density and voids properties may also be determined on consist of an 8 by 8 by 18-in. (203.2 by 203.2 by 457.2-mm)
specimens prepared in accordance with the method. The testing wooden post capped with a 12 by 12 by 1-in. (304.8 by 304.8
section of this method can also be used to obtain maximum by 25.4-mm) steel plate. The wooden post shall be oak, pine, or
load and flow for bituminous paving specimens cored from other wood having an average dry weight of 42 to 48
pavements or prepared by other methods. These results may lb/ft3(0.67 to 0.77 g/cm3). The wooden post shall be secured by
four angle brackets to a solid concrete slab. The steel cap shall
1
be firmly fastened to the post. The pedestal assembly shall be
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D04 on Road
and Paving Materials and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D04.20 on
installed so that the post is plumb and the cap is level.
Mechanical Tests of Bituminous Mixes. 4.5 Specimen Mold Holder—mounted on the compaction
Current edition approved Jan. 10, 1996. Published March 1996. Originally pedestal so as to center the compaction mold over the center of
published as D 5581 – 94. Last previous edition D 5581 – 94. the post as shown in Fig. 3 or equivalent arrangement. It shall
2
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.02.
3
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.03. hold the compaction mold, collar, and base plate securely in
4
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 14.02. position during compaction of the specimen.

Copyright © ASTM, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.

1
 D 5581

FIG. 2 Compaction Hammer (Generic)

FIG. 1 Compaction Mold graduated on 0.0001 in. (0.0025 mm). Upper and lower ring
dynamometer attachments are required for fastening the ring
dynamometer to the testing frame and transmitting the load to
4.6 Breaking Head— The breaking head (Fig. 4) shall the breaking head.
consist of upper and lower cylindrical segments or test heads
having an inside radius of curvature of 3 in. (76.2 mm) NOTE 2—Instead of the ring dynamometer assembly, any suitable
accurately machined. The lower segment shall be mounted on load-measuring device may be used provided the capacity and sensitivity
meet the above requirements.
a base having two perpendicular guide rods or posts extending
upward. Guide sleeves in the upper segments shall be in such 4.9 Flowmeter—The flowmeter shall consist of a guide
a position as to direct the two segments together without sleeve and a gage. The activating pin of the gage shall slide
appreciable binding or loose motion on the guide rods. When inside the guide sleeve with a slight amount of frictional
a 6.000 in. (152.4 mm) diameter by 4 in. (100 mm) thick metal resistance. The guide sleeve shall slide freely over the guide
block is placed between the two segments, the inside diameters rod of the breaking head. The flowmeter gage shall be adjusted
and the gaps between the segments shall conform to Fig. 4. All to zero when placed in position on the breaking head when
steel components shall be plated. each individual test specimen is inserted between the breaking
4.7 Loading Jack— The loading jack (Fig. 5) shall consist head segments. Graduations of the flowmeter gage shall be in
of a screw jack mounted in a test frame and shall produce a 0.01-in. (0.25-mm) divisions.
uniform vertical movement of 2 in. (50.8 mm)/min. An electric NOTE 3—Instead of the flowmeter, a micrometer dial or stress-strain
motor may be attached to the jacking mechanism. recorder graduated in 0.001 in. (0.025-mm) may be used to measure flow.
NOTE 1—Instead of the loading jack, a mechanical or hydraulic testing 4.10 Ovens or Hot Plates—Ovens or hot plates shall be
machine may be used provided the rate of movement can be maintained provided for heating aggregates, bituminous material, speci-
at 2 in. (50.8 mm)/min while the load is applied. men molds, compaction hammers, and other equipment to the
4.8 Ring Dynamometer Assembly—One ring dynamometer required mixing and molding temperatures. It is recommended
(Fig. 5) of 10 000-lb. (4536-kg) capacity and sensitivity of 10 that the heating units be thermostatically controlled so as to
lb (4.536 kg) up to 1000 lb (453.6 kg) and 25 lb (11.340 kg) maintain the required temperature within 5°F (2.8°C). Suitable
between 1000 and 10 000 lb (453.6 and 4536 kg) shall be shields, baffle plates or sand baths shall be used on the surfaces
equipped with a micrometer dial. The micrometer dial shall be of the hot plates to minimize localized overheating.

2
 D 5581

FIG. 5 Compression Testing Machine

(228.6 mm) deep and shall be thermostatically controlled so as

to maintain the bath at 140 6 1.8°F (60 6 1.0°C). The tank
shall have a perforated false bottom or be equipped with a shelf
for supporting specimens 2 in. (50.8 mm) above the bottom of
the bath.
4.13 Miscellaneous Equipment:
4.13.1 Containers for heating aggregates, flat-bottom metal
pans or other suitable containers.
FIG. 3 Specimen Mold Holder
4.13.2 Containers for heating bituminous material, either
gill-type tins, beakers, pouring pots, or saucepans may be used.
4.13.3 Mixing Tool, either a steel trowel (garden type) or
spatula, for spading and hand mixing.
4.13.4 Thermometers for determining temperatures of ag-
gregates, bitumen, and bituminous mixtures. Armored-glass or
dial-type thermometers with metal stems are recommended. A
range from 50 to 400°F (9.9 to 204°C), with sensitivity of 5°F
(2.8°C) is required.
4.13.5 Thermometers for water and air baths with a range
from 68 to 158°F (20 to 70°C) sensitive to 0.4°F (0.2°C).
4.13.6 Balance, 10-kg capacity, sensitive to 1.0 g.
4.13.7 Gloves for handling hot equipment.
4.13.8 Rubber Gloves for removing specimens from water
bath.
4.13.9 Marking Crayons for identifying specimens.
4.13.10 Scoop, flat bottom, for batching aggregates.
4.13.11 Spoon, large, for placing the mixture in the speci-
men molds.
FIG. 4 Breaking Head
5. Test Specimens
4.11 Mixing Apparatus— Mechanical mixing is recom- 5.1 Number of Specimens—Prepare at least three specimens
mended. Any type of mechanical mixer may be used provided for each combination of aggregates and bitumen content.
it can be maintained at the required mixing temperature and 5.2 Preparation of Aggregates—Dry aggregates to constant
will provide a well-coated, homogeneous mixture of the weight at 230 6 9°F (110 6 5°C) and separate the aggregates
required amount in the allowable time, and further provided by dry sieving into the desired size fractions. The following
that essentially all of the batch can be recovered. A metal pan size fractions are recommended:
or bowl of sufficient capacity (such as standard 13 qt. size 2 to 1⁄2 in. (50 to 37.5 mm)
11⁄2 to 1 in. (37.5 to 25.0 mm)
approximately 6 1⁄4 in. deep) and hand mixing may also be 1 to 3⁄4 in. (25.0 to 19.0 mm)
used. 3⁄4 to 3⁄8 in. (19.0 to 9.5 mm)

3⁄8 in. to No. 4 (9.5 mm to 4.75 mm)

4.12 Water Bath—The water bath shall be at least 9 in.

3
 D 5581
No. 4 to No. 8 (4.75 mm to 2.36 mm) removal of the specimens from the molds to prevent distortion.
Passing No. 8 (2.36 mm) After cooling, remove the base plate and place the sample
5.3 Determination of Mixing and Compacting Tempera- extractor on that end of the specimen. Place the assembly with
tures: the extension collar up in the testing machine, apply pressure to
5.3.1 The temperatures to which the asphalt cement and the collar by means of the load transfer bar, and force the
asphalt cut-back must be heated to produce a viscosity of specimen into the extension collar. Lift the collar from the
170 6 20 cSt shall be the mixing temperature. specimen. Carefully transfer the specimen to a smooth, flat
5.3.2 The temperature to which asphalt cement must be surface and allow it to stand overnight at room temperature.
heated to produce a viscosity of 280 6 30 cSt shall be the Weigh, measure, and test the specimen.
compacting temperature. NOTE 5—When more rapid cooling is desired, table fans may be used.
5.4 Preparation of Mixtures:
5.4.1 Weigh into separate pans for each test specimen the 6. Procedure
amount of each size fraction required to produce a batch that 6.1 Bring the specimens to the specified temperature by
will result in a compacted specimen 3.75 6 0.10 in. immersing in the water bath 45 to 60 min, or placing in the
(95.2 6 2.54 mm) in height (about 4050 g). Place the pans on oven for 3 h. Maintain the bath or oven temperature at
the hot plate or in the oven and heat to a temperature not 140 6 1.8°F (60 6 1.0°C). Thoroughly clean the guide rods
exceeding the mixing temperature established in 5.3 by more and the inside surfaces of the test heads prior to making the
than approximately 50°F (28°C). Charge the mixing bowl with test, and lubricate the guide rods so that the upper test head
the heated aggregate and dry mix thoroughly. Form a crater in slides freely over them. The testing-head temperature shall be
the dry blended aggregate and weigh the preheated required maintained between 70 to 100°F (21.1 to 37.8°C) using a water
amount of bituminous material into the mixture. Care must be bath when required. Remove the specimen from the water bath,
exercised to prevent loss of the mix during mixing and oven, or air bath, and place in the lower segment of the
subsequent handling. At this point, the temperature of the breaking head. Place the upper segment of the breaking head
aggregate and bituminous material shall be within the limits of on the specimen, and place the complete assembly in position
the mixing temperature established in 5.3. Mix the aggregate on the testing machine. Place the flowmeter, where used, in
and bituminous material rapidly until thoroughly coated. If the position over one of the guide rods and adjust the flowmeter to
mix consists of absorptive aggregate place the mix in a covered zero while holding the sleeve firmly against the upper segment
container in an oven maintained at the mixing temperature for of the breaking head. Hold the flowmeter sleeve firmly against
4 h. the upper segment of the breaking head while the test load is
5.5 Compaction of Specimens: being applied.
5.5.1 Thoroughly clean the specimen mold assembly and 6.2 Apply the load to the specimen by means of the constant
the face of the compaction hammer and heat them either in rate of movement of the load jack or testing-machine head of
boiling water or on the hot plate to a temperature between 200 2 in. (50.8 mm)/min until the maximum load is reached and the
and 300°F (93.3 and 148.9°C). Place a piece of filter paper or load decreases as indicated by the dial. Record the maximum
paper toweling cut to size in the bottom of the mold before the load noted on the testing machine or converted from the
mixture is introduced. Place approximately one half of the maximum micrometer dial reading. Release the flowmeter
batch in the mold, spade the mixture vigorously with a heated sleeve or note the micrometer dial reading, where used, the
spatula or trowel 15 times around the perimeter and 10 times instant the maximum load begins to decrease. Note and record
over the interior. Place the second half of the batch in the mold the indicated flow value or equivalent units in hundredths of an
and repeat the foregoing procedure. Remove the collar and inch (twenty-five hundredths of a millimetre) if a micrometer
smooth the surface of the mix with a trowel to a slightly dial is used to measure the flow. The elapsed time for the test
rounded shape. Place a piece of filter paper or paper toweling from removal of the test specimen from the water bath to the
cut to size on top of the mix. Temperatures of the mixtures maximum load determination shall not exceed 30 s.
immediately prior to compaction shall be within the limits of 6.3 For core specimens, correct the load when thickness is
the compacting temperature established in 5.3. other than 3.75 in. (95.2 mm) by using the proper multiplying
5.5.2 Replace the collar, place the mold assembly on the factor from Table 1. This table has been developed after Table
compaction pedestal in the mold holder, and unless otherwise 1 of Test Method D 1559 basing the correlation ratio on the
specified, apply 75 blows with the mechanically operated percent change in specimen volume from standard specimen
compaction hammer with a free fall of 18 in. (457.2 mm). volume. Ensure that the core specimens have smooth sides;
Remove the base plate and collar, and reverse and reassemble otherwise point loading can occur, resulting in low stability
the mold. Apply the same number of compaction blows to the values.
face of the reversed specimen. 7. Report
NOTE 4—It has been determined that 75 and 112 compaction blows 7.1 Report the following information:
applied to a 6-in. (152.4 mm) diameter specimen using the apparatus and 7.1.1 Type of sample tested (laboratory sample or pavement
procedure in this standard give densities equivalent to 50 and 75 core specimen),
compaction blows, respectively, applied to a 4-in. (101.6 mm) diameter 7.1.2 The height of each test specimen in inches (or milli-
specimen using Test Method D 1559.
metres),
5.5.3 Cool the compacted specimens and molds prior to 7.1.3 Average maximum load in pounds-force (or newtons)

4
 D 5581
TABLE 1 Stability Correlations RatiosA TABLE 2 Acceptability of Test Results for Stability and Flow
Approximate Thickness of SpecimenB Volume of Coefficient of Variation Acceptable Range of Two
Correlation Ratio Test and Type Index
Specimen, cm3 (% of mean)A Test Results (% of mean)A
in. mm
Single-operator precision:
31⁄2 88.9 1608 to 1626 1.12 Stability, pounds-force 12.3 34.8
39⁄16 90.5 1637 to 1665 1.09 Flow, hundredth of an 16.7 47.2
35⁄8 92.1 1666 to 1694 1.06 inch
311⁄16 93.7 1695 to 1723 1.03 Multilaboratory precision:
33⁄4 95.2 1724 to 1752 1.00 Stability, pounds-force 15.3 43.3
313⁄16 96.8 1753 to 1781 0.97 Flow, hundreth of an 23.7 67.0
37⁄8 98.4 1782 to 1810 0.95 inch
315⁄16 100.0 1811 to 1839 0.92 A
These numbers represent, respectively, the (1s %) and (d2s %) limits as
4 101.6 1840 to 1868 0.90 described in Practice C 670.
A
The measured stability of a specimen multiplied by the ratio for the thickness
of the specimen equals the corrected stability for a 33⁄4-in. (95.2-mm) thick 8. Precision and Bias 5
specimen.
B
Volume-thickness relationship is based on a specimen diameter of 6 in. (152.4
8.1 Criteria for judging the acceptability of stability and
mm). flow values obtained by this test method are given in Table 2
(Note 6).
NOTE 6—These precision statements are based on 1 asphalt mixture, 3
replicates, and 12 laboratories. A gradation with 11⁄2 in. (37.5 mm)
of three specimens, corrected when required, maximum size stone was used. The average stability value was 5878
pounds-force and the average flow value was 18.6 units.
7.1.4 Average flow value, in hundredths of an inch (twenty- 8.2 This test method has no bias because the values deter-
five hundredths of a millimetre) of three specimens, and mined can be defined only in terms of the test method.
7.1.5 Test temperature.
5
A copy of the research report used to develop the precision statement is
available from ASTM headquarters. Request RR: D04–1014.

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