ASTM Committee D04 on Road and
Paving Materials
Standards Requiring Review for
Mercury issues
by Subcommittee
Contact: Deanne Emory at Miller & Weber, Inc.
(718) 821-7110 email: DeanneMEmory@aol.com
Subcommittee D04.21 on
Specific Gravity and Density of
Bituminous Materials.
Contact: Deanne Emory at Miller & Weber, Inc.
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Standard D2041-03a
Theoretical Maximum Specific Gravity and Density of
Bituminous Paving Mixtures.
Currently shows no actual ASTM E1 thermometer, only that the
thermometer shall conform to the requirements of Specification E1.
Add E2251 and reference to density thermometer as suitable ASTM
12C or 12F (or ASTM S12C or S12F).
Add E1137 and allow for a platinum resistance thermometer. Consider
limiting devices to exclude thermocouples as calibration
uncertainties will likely affect the precision of the method.
Currently addresses Residual Pressure Manometer or calibrated
absolute pressure gageIf the manometer is required to calibrate the absolute pressure gage,
consideration to making it a gold standard might be given.
Contact: Deanne Emory at Miller & Weber, Inc.
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Standard D6857-03
Standard Test Method for Maximum Specific Gravity
and Density of Bituminous Paving Mixtures Using
Automatic Vacuum Sealing Method
Same temperature issues as D2041
Currently shows no actual ASTM E1 thermometer, only that the
thermometer shall conform to the requirements of Specification E1.
Add E2251 and reference to density thermometer as suitable ASTM
12C or 12F (or ASTM S12C or S12F).
Add E1137 and allow for a platinum resistance thermometer. Consider
limiting devices to exclude thermocouples as calibration
uncertainties will likely affect the precision of the method.
Contact: Deanne Emory at Miller & Weber, Inc.
(718) 821-7110 email: DeanneMEmory@aol.com
Subcommittee D04.22 on Effect of
Water and Other Elements on
Bituminous-Coated Aggregates
Contact: Deanne Emory at Miller & Weber, Inc.
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Standard D3625-96
Effect of Water on Bituminous-Coated Aggregate Using
Boiling Water
Shows ASTM 7C or 7F (low distillation thermometer)
Suggestion: Leave ASTM E1 in standard and If the thermometer is to
be used only up to 100 C (212 F) another thermometer added to
ASTM E2251 can be chosen as the 7C and 7F have ranges to high
for a liquid in glass substitute.
And/or allow any temperature measuring device with a tolerance of less
than 1 degree C.
Discussion: If you are boiling distilled water and no corrections are
being made for altitude, etc. why is a thermometer necessary at all?
Contact: Deanne Emory at Miller & Weber, Inc.
(718) 821-7110 email: DeanneMEmory@aol.com
Subcommittee D04.23 on
Plant-Mixed Bituminous
Surfaces and Bases
Contact: Deanne Emory at Miller & Weber, Inc.
(718) 821-7110 email: DeanneMEmory@aol.com
Standard D7064-04
Standard Practice for Open-Graded Friction Course
(OGFC) Mix Design
The only reference to mercury is in 13.1.2 “Apply a vacuum of 87.8 kPa
(660mm (26 in) of mercury) for 10 min to saturate the compacted
specimens to whatever saturation level is achieved.
This standard does not have a mercury procedure or mercury
instrument, the word is used as part of a “unit of measure”.
Therefore, it is appropriate and no action needs to be taken in the
standard. - other than communicating resolution to ASTM
Headquarters.
Contact: Deanne Emory at Miller & Weber, Inc.
(718) 821-7110 email: DeanneMEmory@aol.com
Subcommittee D04.25 on Analysis
of Bituminous Mixtures
Contact: Deanne Emory at Miller & Weber, Inc.
(718) 821-7110 email: DeanneMEmory@aol.com
Standard D1856-95a
Standard Test Method for Recovery of Asphalt From
Solution by Abson Method
Distillation method requires use of ASTM 7C or 7F. The method says
nothing about correcting for emergent stem differences.
Suggestion- Labs should work split samples of asphalt, first using
7C/7F and then an IPRT immersed to the same depth as in Fig 1.
See if there is a change in recovered asphalt. If so, procedure may
have to revised to give temperatures for ASTM 7C/7F and different
ones for different electronics.
Precision and bias statement may have to be re-worked.
ASTM 7C/7F may have to be made a referee thermometer or gold
standard. See D402-02 for an example.
Contact: Deanne Emory at Miller & Weber, Inc.
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Standard D6847-02
Standard Test Method for Quantitative Extraction and
Recovery of Asphalt Binder from Asphalt Mixtures
Standard requires a mercury-in-glass thermometer as
calibration standard (10.1).
Discussion: Thermometer is to be “accurate” to 1 degree
C. Does this mean tolerance or uncertainty?
A standardized electronic thermometer should be adequate
for this test method.
Section 5.13 specifies a thermometer range 100-200 C.
Discussion: It does not specify type and probably does not
need any editing except maybe addition of tolerance
data.
Contact: Deanne Emory at Miller & Weber, Inc.
(718) 821-7110 email: DeanneMEmory@aol.com
Subcommittee D04.27 on
Cold Mix Asphalts
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(718) 821-7110 email: DeanneMEmory@aol.com
Standard D6704-01 Standard Test Method for
Determining the Workability of Asphalt Cold Mix
Patching Material
Test Method calls out an ASTM 114C thermometer, which is
already a non-mercury thermometer. No changes need
to be made for the mercury project.
Discussion- The standard calls for ASTM 114C low cloud &
pour. The low cloud & pour thermometer is ASTM 6C
(same range, shorter thermometer, 76mm immersion).
The ASTM 114C is a total immersion thermometer and is
named Aviation Fuel Freezing Point. I would suggest
revising to thermometer used in round robin for research
report.
Contact: Deanne Emory at Miller & Weber, Inc.
(718) 821-7110 email: DeanneMEmory@aol.com
Subcommittee D04.33 on
Formed-In-Place Sealants for
Joints and Cracks in Pavements
Contact: Deanne Emory at Miller & Weber, Inc.
(718) 821-7110 email: DeanneMEmory@aol.com
Standard D5167-03 Standard Practice for Melting of
Hot-Applied Joint and Crack Sealant and Filler for
Evaluation
Test Method calls for an ASTM 2C or ASTM 2F.
Discussion- The standard can be revised to allow
the use of non-mercury electronic devices.
Good quality thermocouples may be adequate
for use in this standard. Verification can be
done by E220, or for IPRT’s E644.
Contact: Deanne Emory at Miller & Weber, Inc.
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Standard D5249-95 Standard Specification for Backer
Material for Use with Cold- and Hot- Applied Joint Sealants
in Portland-Cement Concrete and Asphalt Joints
Test Method calls for an ASTM 11C or ASTM 11F.
Discussion- This thermometer has a 1” immersion
depth, which is ideal for a bath with a 2”
immersion depth. It is important that when
calling out an alternative thermocouple,
thermistor or IPRT, it is clear it needs to be a
short sensor.
Contact: Deanne Emory at Miller & Weber, Inc.
(718) 821-7110 email: DeanneMEmory@aol.com
Subcommittee D04.42 on
Emulsified Asphalt Tests
Contact: Deanne Emory at Miller & Weber, Inc.
(718) 821-7110 email: DeanneMEmory@aol.com
Standard D244-04
Standard Test Methods and Practices
for Emulsified Asphalts
Standard calls for ASTM 19C & 19F, ASTM 17C & 17F, ASTM 15C & 15F,
and ASTM 67C.
Suggestion- ASTM S67C is currently referenced in ASTM E2251. The
ASTM 19C & F, ASTM 17C & F and ASTM 15C & F can be added.
Addition of alternate sensing devices such as IPRT and thermistors is
recommended.
Distillation method requires use of ASTM 7C or 7F. The method says
nothing about correcting for emergent stem differences.
Suggestion- Labs should work split samples of asphalt, first using 7C/7F
and then an IPRT immersed to the same depth as in Fig 1. See if there
is a change in recovered asphalt. If so, procedure may have to revised
to give temperatures for ASTM 7C/7F and different ones for different
electronics.
Precision and bias statement may have to be re-worked.
ASTM 7C/7F may have to be made a referee thermometer or gold
standard. (See D402-02 as an example)
Contact: Deanne Emory at Miller & Weber, Inc.
(718) 821-7110 email: DeanneMEmory@aol.com
Standard D6933-041
Standard Test Method for Oversized Particles in
Emulsified Asphalts (Sieve Test)
Standard calls for ASTM 17C and ASTM 19C.
Suggestion-. The ASTM 17C, ASTM 19C can
be added to ASTM E2251. Addition of
alternate sensing devices such as IPRT and
thermistors is recommended.
Thermocouples are not recommended for
this standard.
Contact: Deanne Emory at Miller & Weber, Inc.
(718) 821-7110 email: DeanneMEmory@aol.com
Standard D6999-04
Standard Practice for Miscibility of Emulsified Asphalts
Standard calls for ASTM 17C or other
thermometric device of equal accuracy.
Suggestion-. The ASTM 17C to ASTM
E2251. Addition of alternate sensing
devices such as IPRT and thermistors is
recommended. Thermocouples are not
recommended.
Contact: Deanne Emory at Miller & Weber, Inc.
(718) 821-7110 email: DeanneMEmory@aol.com
Subcommittee D04.43 on
Specifications and Tests for Tar and
Tar Products
Contact: Deanne Emory at Miller & Weber, Inc.
(718) 821-7110 email: DeanneMEmory@aol.com
Standard D6997-04
Standard Test Method for Distillation of Emulsified Asphalt
Distillation method requires use of ASTM 7C, as prescribed in
Specification E1, or any other thermometric device of equal
accuracy. The method says nothing about correcting for emergent
stem differences. This thermometer is immersed further into the
apparatus and the errors may not be as dramatic as for more
shallow immersions.
Suggestion- Labs should work split samples of asphalt, first using
7C/7F and then an IPRT immersed to the same depth as in Fig 1.
See if there is a change in recovered asphalt. If so, procedure may
have to revised to give temperatures for ASTM 7C/7F and different
ones for different electronics.
General statement about instrument of “equal accuracy” does not take
into account the emergent stem temperature errors.
Precision and bias statement may have to be re-worked.
ASTM 7C/7F may have to be made a referee thermometer or gold
standard.
Contact: Deanne Emory at Miller & Weber, Inc.
(718) 821-7110 email: DeanneMEmory@aol.com
Standard D20-03
Standard Test Method for Distillation of Road Tars
Distillation method requires use of ASTM 8C. The method
specifically states that no corrections for emergent stem
temperature are to be made.
Suggestion- Labs should work split samples of asphalt,
first using 8C and then an IPRT immersed to the same
depth. See if there is a change in distillation fractions. If
so, procedure may have to revised to give temperatures
for ASTM 8C and different ones for different electronics.
Precision and bias statement may have to be re-worked.
ASTM 8C may have to be made a referee thermometer or
gold standard. (See D402-02 as an example)
Contact: Deanne Emory at Miller & Weber, Inc.
(718) 821-7110 email: DeanneMEmory@aol.com
Standard D1665-98
Standard Test Method for
Engler Specific Viscosity of Tar Products
Distillation method requires use of ASTM 23C, 24C and
25C. These Engler viscosity thermometers have
specified emergent stem temperatures and 90 mm
immersion.
Suggestion- Labs should work split samples of tar
products, first using the Engler thermometers and then
an IPRT immersed to the same depth. See if there is a
change in viscosity due to the temperature
measurements. Differences may be able to be calculated
out.
Precision and bias statement may have to be re-worked.
ASTM 23C-25C may have to be made referee
thermometers or gold standards.
Contact: Deanne Emory at Miller & Weber, Inc.
(718) 821-7110 email: DeanneMEmory@aol.com
Subcommittee D04.44 on
Rheological Tests
Contact: Deanne Emory at Miller & Weber, Inc.
(718) 821-7110 email: DeanneMEmory@aol.com
Standard D 5-06
Standard Test Method for Penetration of Bituminous Materials
This standard has already been revised.
Suggestion- We add ASTM 17C and ASTM 17F to ASTM
E2251 standard. (Thermometers will be designated
ASTM S17C and ASTM S17F)
Add ASTM number S63C or S63F and S64C or S64F
which are the designations for the ASTM E2251
standard thermometers.
Contact: Deanne Emory at Miller & Weber, Inc.
(718) 821-7110 email: DeanneMEmory@aol.com
Standard D113-99
Standard Test Method for Ductility of Bituminous Materials
Standard specifies ASTM E1 thermometer ASTM 63C
ASTM E2251 specifies an ASTM S63C, which can be
added to the standard.
Contact: Deanne Emory at Miller & Weber, Inc.
(718) 821-7110 email: DeanneMEmory@aol.com
Standard D139-95
Standard Test Method for Float Test for Bituminous Materials
Standard specified ASTM E1 thermometer ASTM 15C or
15F, which are total immersion thermometers. The
standard also requires the thermometer be immersed
only 40 mm.
Like the distillation thermometers, there will be an error due
to emergent stem temperatures. Therefore, a nonmercury glass thermometer may not be appropriate.
Mercury is forgiving of improper immersion and testing
may not show a bias to a PRT.
Contact: Deanne Emory at Miller & Weber, Inc.
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Standard D2170-01a
Standard Test Method for
Kinematic Viscosity of Asphalts (Bitumens)
Standard specified ASTM E1 thermometers ASTM 47C or
47F or ASTM 110C or ASTM 110F.
Standard uses term “mercury columns”.
A good IPRT meeting E1137 standards could be
substituted.
ASTM E2251 can be revised to add above thermometers.
Errors associated with using the thermometers as
complete immersion (rather than total immersion) may
be magnified.
Change term “mercury columns” to “liquid columns”
Contact: Deanne Emory at Miller & Weber, Inc.
(718) 821-7110 email: DeanneMEmory@aol.com
Standard D2171-01
Standard Test Method for
Viscosity of Asphalts by Vacuum Capillary Viscometer
Standard specified ASTM E1 thermometers ASTM 47C or
47F.
Standard uses term “mercury columns”.
A good IPRT meeting E1137 standards could be
substituted.
ASTM E2251 can be revised to add above thermometers.
Errors associated with using the thermometers as
complete immersion (rather than total immersion) may
be magnified.
Change term “mercury columns” to “liquid columns”
Contact: Deanne Emory at Miller & Weber, Inc.
(718) 821-7110 email: DeanneMEmory@aol.com
Standard D5801-95
Standard Test Method for
Toughness and Tenacity of Bituminous Materials
Standard specifies ASTM E1 thermometer ASTM 63C or
ASTM 63F
ASTM E2251 specifies an ASTM S63C and ASTM S63F,
which can be added to the standard.
Contact: Deanne Emory at Miller & Weber, Inc.
(718) 821-7110 email: DeanneMEmory@aol.com
Standard D6084-06
Standard Test Method for
Elastic Recovery of Bituminous Materials by Ductilometer
Standard specifies ASTM E1 thermometer ASTM 63C or
ASTM 63F
ASTM E2251 specifies an ASTM S63C and ASTM S63F,
which can be added to the standard.
Standard allows use of Thermocouples which may not give
adequately small uncertainty as compared to the ASTM
63C.
Suggest removing reference to ASTM E220 and
thermocouples.
Contact: Deanne Emory at Miller & Weber, Inc.
(718) 821-7110 email: DeanneMEmory@aol.com
Standard D6648-01 Standard Test Method for
Determining the Flexural Creep Stiffness of Asphalt Binder Using
the Bending Beam Rheometer (BBR)
Standard specifies ASTM E1 thermometer ASTM 133C.
Suggestion: add reference to ASTM E1 and remove the “00” from the designation in the standard.
Note1 discusses a calibrated PRT meeting Din Standard
43760 (Class A)- which may actually be a thermocouple
standard.
Suggestion: Add standards E644 and E1137.
Contact: Deanne Emory at Miller & Weber, Inc.
(718) 821-7110 email: DeanneMEmory@aol.com
Standard D6723-02
Standard Test Method for Determining the Fracture Properties of
Asphalt Binder in Direct Tension (DT)
Standard specifies ASTM E1 thermometer ASTM 133C.
Suggestion: add reference to ASTM E1 and remove the
“-00” from the designation in the standard.
Note1 discusses a calibrated PRT meeting DIN Standard
43760 (Class A)- which may actually be a thermocouple
standard.
Suggestion: Add standards E644 and E1137.
Contact: Deanne Emory at Miller & Weber, Inc.
(718) 821-7110 email: DeanneMEmory@aol.com
Standard D7175-05
Standard Test Method for Determining the Rheological Properties
of Asphalt Binder Using a Dynamic Shear Rheometer
Standard specifies several types of temperature measurement devices.
Suggestion: re-work areas of document that discuss electronic
thermometers. A thermocouple will probably not be accurate
enough for this method. A PRT or thermistor are better choices.
Note1 discusses a calibrated PRT meeting DIN Standard 43760 (Class
A)- which may actually be a thermocouple standard.
Suggestion: Add standards E644 and E1137.
Reference standards must be traceable to NIST.
Suggestion- Since ASTM is an international organization, it may be
best to re-word, traceable to an NMI (National Metrology Institute,
such as NIST).
Contact: Deanne Emory at Miller & Weber, Inc.
(718) 821-7110 email: DeanneMEmory@aol.com
Subcommittee D04.46 on
Durability and Distillation Tests
Contact: Deanne Emory at Miller & Weber, Inc.
(718) 821-7110 email: DeanneMEmory@aol.com
Standard D243-02 Standard Test Method for
Residue of Specified Penetration
Standard does not require any editing. However, you may
want to specify construction of thermocouple to E230, or
add references for IPRT (E644 and E1137)
Contact: Deanne Emory at Miller & Weber, Inc.
(718) 821-7110 email: DeanneMEmory@aol.com
Standard D402-02
Standard Test Method for Distillation of Cut-Back Asphaltic
(Bituminous) Products.
Distillation method requires use of ASTM 8C or equivalent
device. States ASTM 8C referee standard. The method
specifically states that no corrections for emergent stem
temperature are to be made.
Suggestion- Add references for PRT’s (E644 and E1137).
Test to be sure a thermocouple is adequate for the
precision of this method.
Contact: Deanne Emory at Miller & Weber, Inc.
(718) 821-7110 email: DeanneMEmory@aol.com
Standard D1754-97
Standard Test Method for
Effects of Heat and Air on Asphaltic Materials
This Method requires the use of an ASTM 13C
thermometer and recommends one specific oven
because “the severity of this test is affected by
thermometer position,…”
Suggestion- Do not allow alternate devices without first
thoroughly testing how that will affect the test. The
manufacturer of the suggested oven may be the best
source of information on how to achieve a non-mercury
alternative without affecting the precision of the test.
This may be a method that must continue to require the
ASTM 13C (for now). If so, the hazard caveat may need
to be added to the standard.
Contact: Deanne Emory at Miller & Weber, Inc.
(718) 821-7110 email: DeanneMEmory@aol.com
Standard D2872-04 Standard Test Method for
Effects of Heat and Air on a Moving Film of Asphalt
(Rolling Thin-Film Oven)
This Method requires the use of an ASTM 13C
thermometer and has a very good example of the
information users need for replacement PRTs.
Suggestion- You may want to give the user an idea of
increased lag time when “sheathing” the ASTM 13C. In
our experience, it will increase the lag from 3 minutes to
5-6 minutes.
Reference standards must be traceable to NIST.
Suggestion- Since ASTM is an international organization, it
may be best to re-word, traceable to an NMI (National
Metrology Institute, such as NIST).
Contact: Deanne Emory at Miller & Weber, Inc.
(718) 821-7110 email: DeanneMEmory@aol.com
Subcommittee D04.47 on
Miscellaneous Asphalt Tests
Contact: Deanne Emory at Miller & Weber, Inc.
(718) 821-7110 email: DeanneMEmory@aol.com
Standard D70-03 Standard Test Method for
Density of Semi-Solid Bituminous Materials (Pycnometer Method)
This standard requires the use of ASTM 63C (and allows
ASTM 63F).
Suggestion- add reference to ASTM E2251 and allow
ASTM S63C
If adding reference to an electronic, a thermocouple would
not be precise enough for this method.
Contact: Deanne Emory at Miller & Weber, Inc.
(718) 821-7110 email: DeanneMEmory@aol.com
Standard D3142-05 Standard Test Method for
Specific Gravity, API Gravity, or Density of Cutback Asphalts by
Hydrometer Method
This standard requires the use of ASTM 12C and ASTM
12F
Suggestion- add reference to ASTM E2251 and allow
ASTM S12C and ASTM S12F
An equivalent thermometric device may not include
thermocouples. Suggest changing E220 to E644 and
suggesting IPRT or thermistor.
Contact: Deanne Emory at Miller & Weber, Inc.
(718) 821-7110 email: DeanneMEmory@aol.com
Standard D3143-98 Standard Test Method for
Flash Point of Cutback Asphalt with Tag Open-Cup Apparatus
This standard requires the use of ASTM 9C
Suggestion- The rate of rise for a mercury-in-glass
thermometer will be different from other sensors. Labs
should work split samples, first using ASTM 9C and then
an IPRT immersed to the same depth. Be sure the IPRT
has a short sensor length. This standard should not be
revised without testing.
This standard may need to state the need of ASTM 9C as
referee thermometer.
Contact: Deanne Emory at Miller & Weber, Inc.
(718) 821-7110 email: DeanneMEmory@aol.com
Standard D3289-033 Standard Test Method for
Density of Semi-Solid and Solid Bituminous Materials (Nickel
Crucible Method)
This standard requires the use of ASTM 63C (and allows
ASTM 63F).
Suggestion- add reference to ASTM E2251 and allow
ASTM S63C
If adding reference to an electronic, a thermocouple would
not be precise enough for this method.
Contact: Deanne Emory at Miller & Weber, Inc.
(718) 821-7110 email: DeanneMEmory@aol.com
Standard D6608-00 Standard Practice for the
Identification of Trinidad Lake Asphalt in Asphalt Mixes
Test Method calls for an ASTM 2C or ASTM 2F.
Discussion- The standard can be revised to allow
the use of non-mercury electronic devices.
Good quality thermocouples may be adequate
for use in this standard. Verification can be
done by E220, or for IPRT’s E644.
Contact: Deanne Emory at Miller & Weber, Inc.
(718) 821-7110 email: DeanneMEmory@aol.com