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ASTM D70

Standard Test Method for Density of Semi-Solid Bituminous Materials (Pycnometer Method)

Standard test method for measuring the density (or relative density / specific gravity) of semi-solid bituminous materials like asphalt cement.

It is used for Asphalt binders, Bitumen, Tar and pitch materials.

Engineers use this test mainly in road construction, paving, and materials quality control.

ASTM D70 determines density using a pycnometer (a small, precisely calibrated glass flask):

This gives a very accurate density value for materials that are too thick for simple liquid density tests.

The test is performed as follows:

Prepare and weigh a clean, dry pycnometer. Record the mass.
Fill the pycnometer completely with freshly boiled and cooled distilled water. Bring it to the test temperature (typically 25 °C) and determine the mass of the pycnometer filled with water.
Empty and thoroughly dry the pycnometer. Fill it with the prepared asphalt sample. De-air the sample if necessary to remove entrapped air.
Bring the pycnometer containing the asphalt sample to the test temperature. Remove any excess material to obtain a flat surface at the calibration mark and weigh the filled pycnometer.
Calculate the specific gravity (relative density) and density of the asphalt binder using the recorded masses and the known density of water at the test temperature.