Experiment number: 14

Experiment name: Theoretical maximum specific gravity test.

Aim of experiment: To determine the maximum theoretical specific gravity of bituminous
mix.
Relevant codes: ASTM D 2041/D2041M-11, Standard test method for theoretical maximum
specific gravity and density of bituminous paving mixtures.
Relevance and importance: Theoretical maximum specific gravity (Gmm) is a fundamental
property of bituminous mix that reflects the composition of mixture in terms of type of
aggregate and binder. Gmm finds its extended use in the calculation of air voids in the
compacted bituminous mixture, binder absorption by the aggregate and to set the target
compaction to be achieved in the field.
Test description: About 1250 g of aggregates in the appropriate proportion is weighted. Then
the aggregates and binder are heated to the appropriate temperature separately. Binder is then
added to the heated aggregate as per requirement and mixed until a homogenous mixture is
produced. The mixture is then allowed to cool down to room temperature in a tray taking care
that fine aggregate does not form a lump of 6mm or more. Then the dry weight of the
aggregate is determined. The sample is then transferred to pycnometer and sufficient water is
added to cover the sample. The pycnometer is then placed in a mechanical agitator and about
3.7 Kpa vacuum pressure is applied until the entrapped air is removed. Fill the remaining
portion of the pycnometer completely with water and take its weight. Empty the pycnometer
and fill it with water only and determine its weight. Also determine the dry weight of
pycnometer.
Apparatus required: Balance, bowl, pycnometer, thermometer, hot plate, vacuum pump.
Procedure: For conducting the test, this steps are followed:
1. About 1250 g of aggregates are blended in the appropriate proportion to produce the
gradation requirement of BC-1 as per MORT&H.
2. Both the binder and aggregates are separately heated to the appropriate temperature.
3. Then binder is added to the aggregate in the required amount and mixed together until a
homogenous mixture is produced.

4. The sample is then cooled to the room temperature taking care that no two particles gets
adhere. Also fine aggregate should not form a lump more than 6mm.
5. Weight of the sample is transferred to a pycnometer and its weight is taken, A.
6. The pycnometer is filled with water so as to cover the sample completely and the
pycnometer is subjected to mechanical agitation and vacuum pressure (3.7 Kpa) until all the
entrapped air is removed. The pycnometer is completely filled with water and its weight is
determined, B.
7. The weight of pycnometer completely filled with water is determined, C.
8. Empty weight of pycnometer is determined, D.
9. Theoretical maximum specific gravity is determined using equation 1.
Observation table:
Weight of sample, A =
Weight of pycnometer, sample and water, B=
Weight of pycnometer plus water, C =
Empty weight of pycnometer, D =
Calculations:
Theoretical maximum specific gravity, Gmm =

Result and discussions:

A
A+ CB