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.

Designation: D6307 − 19

Standard Test Method for

Asphalt Content of Asphalt Mixture by Ignition Method1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D6307; 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 (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

1. Scope D4753 Guide for Evaluating, Selecting, and Specifying Bal-

1.1 This test method covers the determination of asphalt ances and Standard Masses for Use in Soil, Rock, and
content of asphalt mixture and asphalt pavement samples by Construction Materials Testing
removing the asphalt cement in an ignition furnace. The means D5444 Test Method for Mechanical Size Analysis of Ex-
of sample heating may be the convection method or direct tracted Aggregate
irradiation method. 2.2 AASHTO Standard:3
R47 Standard Practice for Reducing Samples of Hot Mix
NOTE 1—Aggregate obtained by this test method may be used for sieve
analysis. Particle size degradation may occur with some aggregates.
Asphalt (HMA) to Testing Size
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as 3. Summary of Test Methods
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
standard. 3.1 The asphalt cement in the paving mixture is ignited
using the furnace equipment applicable to the particular
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the method. The asphalt content is calculated by difference from
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the the mass of the residual aggregate and moisture content. The
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- asphalt content is expressed as mass percent of moisture-free
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter- mixtures. Test Method A is intended for furnaces with an
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. internal automated weighing system. Test Method B is in-
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor- tended for furnaces without an internal weighing system.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the 4. Significance and Use
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical 4.1 This test method can be used for quantitative determi-
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee. nation of asphalt content in asphalt mixture and pavement
samples for quality control, specification acceptance, and
2. Referenced Documents mixture evaluation studies. This test method does not require
the use of solvents. Aggregate obtained by this test method
2.1 ASTM Standards:2 may be used for gradation analysis according to Test Method
C670 Practice for Preparing Precision and Bias Statements D5444.
for Test Methods for Construction Materials
D75/D75M Practice for Sampling Aggregates 5. Apparatus
D140/D140M Practice for Sampling Asphalt Materials
D979/D979M Practice for Sampling Bituminous Paving 5.1 Balance, readable to 0.1 g, and capable of measuring the
Mixtures mass of sample, sample trays, and catch pan. The balance shall
D1461 Test Method for Moisture or Volatile Distillates in be in accordance with Guide D4753, Class GP2.
Asphalt Mixtures 5.2 Sample Tray(s), of appropriate size that allows the
samples to be spread thinly and allows air to flow up through
and around the sample particles. The sample shall be enclosed
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D04 on Road completely with screen mesh, perforated stainless steel plate,
and Paving Materials and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D04.25 on or other suitable material.
Analysis of Asphalt Mixtures.
Current edition approved Jan. 1, 2019. Published February 2019. Originally NOTE 2—Screen mesh or other suitable material with maximum and
approved in 1998. Last previous edition approved in 2016 as D6307 – 16. DOI:
10.1520/D6307-19.
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
3
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Available from American Association of State Highway and Transportation
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Officials (AASHTO), 444 N. Capitol St., NW, Suite 249, Washington, DC 20001,
the ASTM website. http://www.transportation.org.

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 D6307 − 19
minimum openings of 3.35 mm and 600 µm, respectively, has been found the equipment used (for a particular method), the test specimen may be
to perform well. divided into suitable increments, tested, and the results combined for
calculation of asphalt content based on the weighted average of the masses
5.3 Catch Pan, of appropriate size to hold the sample trays used in the increments.
so that aggregate particles and melting asphalt binder falling
through the screen mesh are caught. 7.4 Obtain samples of asphalt cement in accordance with
Practice D140/D140M.
5.4 Catch Pan/Sample Tray(s) Handling Apparatus, suitable
for inserting catch pan and sample tray(s) into furnace and
removing hot catch pan and sample tray(s) from furnace. TEST METHOD A
5.5 Assorted Spatulas, Pans, Bowls, and Wire Brushes, for
preparing asphalt mixtures and removing aggregate from 8. Apparatus
sample tray(s) and catch pan. 8.1 In addition to the apparatus listed in Section 5, the
5.6 Protective Gloves, well insulated and capable of with- following apparatus is required for Test Method A.
standing 580 °C. 8.1.1 Ignition Furnace—A forced-air ignition furnace that
heats the sample by either convection method or direct
5.7 Ovens—Mechanical ovens, convection or forced draft,
irradiation method. The convection-type furnace must have a
shall be provided for drying aggregates and asphalt mixtures,
minimum temperature capability of 580 °C. The furnace shall
and for preheating asphalt mixtures prior to ignition testing.
have an internal weighing system capable of measuring the
5.8 Ignition Furnace, as described in 8.1.1 or 11.1.1. mass of sample sizes of at least 2500 g. The furnace chamber
shall be of sufficient size to accommodate sample sizes of at
6. Hazards least 2500 g. A data collection system also shall be included so
6.1 The temperature of the furnace, sample, sample tray(s), that the sample mass loss can be determined automatically to
and catch pan after removal from the furnace is extremely high. an accuracy of 0.1 g and displayed during a test. The test is
Caution, therefore, must be exercised at all times when deemed complete when the difference between consecutive
handling these items, as failure to do so could result in serious measured mass loss does not exceed 0.01 % of the sample mass
injury, severe burns, or fire. The sample, sample tray(s), and for three consecutive 1-min intervals. The equipment shall
catch pan should be placed inside a safety cage and should not provide a printout of the test results. A system capable of
be allowed to cool near any materials that are subject to reducing furnace emissions to an acceptable level also shall be
ignition at the high temperatures used in this procedure. The incorporated in the furnace. The furnace shall be vented into a
furnace manufacturer’s instruction manual must be followed to hood or to the outside and, when set up properly, will have no
take all necessary precautions. noticeable odors escaping into the laboratory. The furnace will
have a fan with the capability to pull air through the furnace to
7. Sampling expedite the test and to reduce escape of smoke into the
7.1 Obtain samples of aggregate in accordance with Practice laboratory. The furnace shall be equipped so that the door
D75/D75M. cannot be opened during the ignition test.
7.2 Obtain samples of asphalt mixture in accordance with 8.1.2 Filters, if required, of the type specified by the furnace
Practice D979/D979M and AASHTO R47. manufacturer.

7.3 Preparation of Test Specimens: 9. Calibration

7.3.1 If the mixture is not soft enough to separate with a
spatula or trowel, place it in a large, flat pan and warm in an 9.1 The type of aggregate in the mixture may affect the
oven set at 110 6 5 °C until it can be separated or mixed. Split results of this test method because different aggregates lose
or quarter the material in accordance with AASHTO R47 until mass on ignition to varying degrees. The results also may be
the mass of material required for the test is obtained. affected by the presence of additives and modifiers in the
7.3.2 The size of the test sample shall be governed by the asphalt mixture sample. Accordingly, to optimize accuracy, a
nominal maximum aggregate size of the mixture and shall calibration factor shall be established by testing three calibra-
conform to the mass requirement shown in Table 1 (see Note tion samples for each mix type. The calibration shall be
3). performed on a prepared sample of asphalt mixture, which also
shall include additives and modifiers, if any, to be used.
NOTE 3—When the mass of the test specimen exceeds the capacity of
9.2 Obtain samples of blended aggregate to be used in the
asphalt mixture in accordance with 7.1. The sample should be
TABLE 1 Size of Sample approximately the same mass and gradation as that to be used
Nominal Maximum Aggregate Size
Minimum Mass of Sample, kg
for the asphalt mixture test sample (10.1).
Standard, mm
4.75 0.5 9.3 Obtain samples of asphalt cement to be used in the
9.5 1 asphalt mixture in accordance with 7.4.
12.5 1.5
19.0 2 9.4 Oven dry the aggregate samples to a constant mass.
25.0 3
37.5 4 9.4.1 For the convection-type furnace, set the furnace tem-
perature to 540 6 5 °C for calibration using mixtures.

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 D6307 − 19
9.4.2 For the direct irradiation-type furnace, set the burn designed for samples that may not burn completely using the
profile to the DEFAULT mode. DEFAULT burn profile.
9.5 Heat the aggregates and asphalt cement to approxi- 9.16 The temperature or burn profile for testing asphalt
mately 150 °C. Heat all mixing bowls and tools to approxi- mixture samples in 10.3 shall be the same temperature or burn
mately 150 °C. profile selected for testing mixture calibration samples.
9.6 Prior to the mixing of calibration samples, an initial or 10. Procedure
“butter” mix is required to condition the mixing equipment. 10.1 Obtain an asphalt mixture sample in accordance with
Remove and discard the “butter” mix from the bowl by Section 7. The sample mass should be approximately the same
scraping, leaving a uniform coating of asphalt mix residue. as that used for calibration (9.2).
NOTE 4—The “butter” mix prevents calibration samples from being 10.2 Oven dry the asphalt mixture sample to constant mass
biased by residual asphalt mix retained in the mixing bowl. at a temperature of 110 6 5 °C or determine the moisture
9.7 Prepare three calibration samples at the design asphalt content of samples in accordance with Test Method D1461, so
cement content (P). Incorporate additives and modifiers, if any, that the measured mass loss can be corrected for moisture.
to be used. 10.3 Set the furnace temperature or burn profile in accor-
dance with Section 9. Samples can be placed in the furnace at
9.8 Determine and record the mass of the sample tray(s) and
significantly lower temperatures, since the furnace will quickly
catch pan to the nearest 0.1 g.
heat to the desired temperature once the sample begins to burn.
9.9 Evenly distribute the sample in the sample tray(s). The furnace temperature is likely to increase during the
ignition phase of the test.
9.10 Determine the mass of the sample, sample tray(s), and
catch pan to the nearest 0.1 g. Calculate and record the initial 10.4 Determine and record the mass of the sample tray(s)
mass of the sample (MI). and catch pan to the nearest 0.1 g.
9.11 Heat the calibration sample in the convection-type 10.5 Evenly distribute the sample in the sample tray(s).
furnace at 540 6 5 °C; or in the direct irradiation-type furnace 10.6 Determine the mass of the sample, sample tray(s), and
using the DEFAULT mode until the change in mass of the catch pan to the nearest 0.1 g. Calculate and record the initial
sample during three consecutive 1-min intervals does not mass of the sample (MB).
exceed 0.01 % of the sample mass (MI). 10.7 Heat the sample in the furnace at the specified tem-
9.12 Measure and record the mass (ML) of the sample after perature until the difference between consecutive measured
ignition to the nearest 0.1 g. The mass can be obtained mass loss does not exceed 0.01 % of the sample mass (MB) for
immediately upon completion of the test from the printout or three consecutive 1-min intervals. This point shall be deter-
display. mined automatically by the furnace’s data collection system.
9.13 Calculate the calibration factor (CF) as follows: 10.8 The furnace’s data collection system shall measure and
automatically record the aggregate mass (MA) of the sample
CF 5 S MI 2 ML
MI
3 100 2 PD (1) after ignition to the nearest 0.1 g. The mass shall be obtained
immediately upon completion of tests by subtracting the mass
where: loss measured by the furnace from the initial mass of the mix
MI = total mass of the mixture calibration sample prior to (MB).
ignition, 10.9 The corrected asphalt content shall be calculated auto-
ML = total mass of the mixture calibration sample after matically by the furnace’s data collection system as follows:
ignition, and
P = percentage of actual asphalt cement in the mix by mass
of the total mix expressed as a percentage.
% AC 5 S MB 2 MA
MB D
3 100 2 C F (2)

where:
9.14 Repeat steps 9.8 – 9.13 for two additional calibration
samples. Calculate the average calibration factor (CF) by AC = measured asphalt content percent by mass of the
averaging the three CF values. oven-dry asphalt mixture sample,
MA = total mass of aggregate remaining after ignition,
9.15 Calibration Temperature Adjustments: MB = total mass of the asphalt mixture sample prior to
9.15.1 For the convection-type furnace, if the calibration ignition, and
factor exceeds 1.0 %, lower the test temperature to 482 6 5 °C CF = calibration factor obtained in Section 9 and entered
and repeat steps 9.2 – 9.14 . Use the calibration factor obtained into the furnace’s data collection system.
at 482 °C, even if it exceeds 1.0 %.
9.15.2 For the direct irradiation-type furnace, the DE- TEST METHOD B
FAULT burn profile should be used for most materials. The
operator may select burn profile OPTION 1 or OPTION 2 to 11. Apparatus
optimize the burn cycle. OPTION 1 is designed for aggregates 11.1 In addition to the apparatus listed in Section 5, the
with a correction factor greater than 1.0 %. OPTION 2 is following apparatus is required for Test Method B.

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 D6307 − 19
11.1.1 Furnace, having a minimum temperature capability 12.13 Remove the sample from the furnace and allow it to
of 580 °C and equipped with a fan capable of pulling air cool for at least 10 min.
through the furnace to expedite the test and to reduce escape of 12.14 Measure and record the mass (ML) of the sample after
smoke into the laboratory. The furnace chamber shall be of ignition to the nearest 0.1 g.
sufficient size to accommodate samples sizes of at least 2500 g.
A system capable of reducing furnace emissions to an accept- 12.15 Place the sample back into the furnace.
able level also shall be incorporated in the furnace. The furnace 12.16 After the furnace reaches the set-point temperature,
shall be vented into a hood or to the outside and, when set up heat the calibration sample for 15 min.
properly, will have no noticeable odors escaping into the
12.17 Remove the sample from the furnace and allow it to
laboratory. The furnace shall be equipped so that the door
cool for at least 10 min.
cannot be opened during the ignition test.
11.1.2 Filters, if required, of the type specified by the 12.18 Measure and record the mass (ML) of the sample after
furnace manufacturer. ignition to the nearest 0.1 g.
12.19 Repeat 12.15 – 12.18 until the change in measured
12. Calibration mass (ML) of the sample after ignition does not exceed 0.01 %
12.1 The results of this test method may be affected by the of the initial sample mass (MI).
type of aggregate in the mixture because different aggregates 12.20 Record the last value obtained for (ML) as the mass
lose mass on ignition to varying degrees. The results may also (ML) of the sample after ignition.
be affected by the presence of additives and modifiers in the 12.21 Calculate the calibration factor (CF) as follows:
asphalt mixture sample. Accordingly, to optimize accuracy, a
calibration factor shall be established by testing three calibra-
tion samples for each mix type. The calibration shall be
CF 5 S MI 2 ML
MI D
3 100 2 P (3)

performed on a sample of prepared asphalt mixture, which also where:

shall include additives and modifiers, if any, to be used. ML = total mass of the calibration sample after ignition,
12.2 Obtain samples of blended aggregate to be used in the MI = total mass of the calibration sample prior to ignition,
asphalt mixture in accordance with 7.1. The sample should be and
approximately the same mass and gradation as that to be used P = percentage of asphalt cement in the mix by mass of the
for the asphalt mixture test sample (13.1). total mix expressed as a percentage.
12.3 Obtain samples of asphalt cement to be used in the 12.22 Repeat these steps for two additional calibration
asphalt mixture in accordance with 7.4. samples. Calculate the average calibration factor (CF) by
averaging the CF values.
12.4 Oven dry the aggregate samples to a constant mass.
12.23 The temperature for testing the asphalt mixture
12.5 Set the furnace temperature to 540 6 5 °C for calibra- samples in 13.3 shall be the same temperature selected for
tion using mixtures. testing mixture calibration samples.
12.6 Heat the aggregates and asphalt cement to approxi-
mately 150 °C. Heat all mixing bowls and tools to approxi- 13. Procedure
mately 150 °C. 13.1 Obtain an asphalt mixture sample in accordance with
12.7 Prior to the mixing of calibration samples, an initial or Section 7. The sample mass should be approximately the same
“butter” mix is required to condition the mixing equipment. as that used for calibration (12.2).
Remove and discard the “butter” mix from the bowl by 13.2 Oven dry the asphalt mixture sample to constant mass
scraping, leaving a uniform coating of asphalt mix residue. at a temperature of 110 6 5 °C or determine the moisture
content of samples according to Test Method D1461, so that
NOTE 5—The “butter” mix prevents calibration samples from being
biased by residual asphalt mix retained in the mixing bowl. the measured mass loss can be corrected for moisture.
12.8 Prepare three calibration samples at the design asphalt 13.3 Set the furnace temperature to 540 6 5 °C. Samples
cement content. Incorporate additives and modifiers, if any, to can be placed in the furnace at significantly lower
be used. temperatures, since the furnace will heat quickly to the desired
temperature once the sample begins to burn. The furnace
12.9 Determine and record the mass of the sample tray(s) temperature is likely to increase during the ignition phase of
and catch pan to the nearest 0.1 g. the test.
12.10 Evenly distribute the sample in the sample tray(s). 13.4 Determine and record the mass of the sample tray(s)
12.11 Determine the mass of the sample, sample tray(s), and and catch pan to the nearest 0.1 g.
catch pan to the nearest 0.1 g. Calculate and record the initial 13.5 Evenly distribute the sample in the sample tray(s).
mass of the sample (MI).
13.6 Determine the mass of the sample, sample tray(s), and
12.12 Heat the calibration sample in the furnace at 540 6 catch pan to the nearest 0.1 g. Calculate and record the initial
5 °C for at least 45 min. mass of the sample (MB).

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 D6307 − 19
13.7 Heat the asphalt mixture sample in the furnace at 540 14. Report
6 5 °C for at least 45 min. 14.1 Report the following information:
13.8 Remove the sample from the furnace after ignition and 14.1.1 Date,
allow it to cool for at least 10 min. 14.1.2 Identification of aggregate and mix type,
14.1.3 Test number,
13.9 Measure and record the mass (MA) of the sample after
14.1.4 Calibration data,
ignition to the nearest 0.1 g.
14.1.5 Mass of the asphalt mixture sample before and after
13.10 Place the sample back into the furnace. ignition (nearest 0.1 g),
13.11 After the furnace reaches the set-point temperature, 14.1.6 Measured asphalt content (nearest 0.01 %), and
heat the sample for at least 15 min. 14.1.7 Aggregate gradation, if performed.
13.12 Remove the sample from the furnace and allow it to 15. Precision and Bias
cool for at least 10 min. 15.1 The single-laboratory standard deviation for asphalt
13.13 Measure and record the mass (MA) of the sample after content has been found to be 0.04 %; therefore, results of two
ignition to the nearest 0.1 g. properly conducted tests by the same operator on the same
aliquot samples of the asphalt mixture should not differ by
13.14 Repeat 13.10 – 13.13 until the change in measured more than 0.11 % (Notes 7-9).
mass (MA) of the sample after ignition does not exceed 0.01 %
of the initial sample mass (MB). 15.2 The multi-laboratory standard deviation for asphalt
content has been found to be 0.06 %; therefore, the results of
13.15 Record the last value obtained for (MA) as the mass two properly conducted tests from two different laboratories on
(MA) of the sample after ignition. asphalt mixture samples from the same batch should not differ
NOTE 6—Steps 13.10 – 13.15 may not be necessary if it can be by more than 0.17 % (Notes 7-9).
demonstrated from the mix calibration data that constant mass could be 15.3 The bias for this test method is currently under
achieved by heating the sample only once in the furnace. The type and
mass of the asphalt mixture sample being tested should be reasonably development.
close to those of the calibration sample. NOTE 7—These numbers represent, respectively, the (1S) and (D2S)
13.16 Calculate the corrected asphalt content as follows: limits described in Practice C670.
NOTE 8—These precision statements are based on four aggregate types,
% AC S MB 2 MA
MB D
3 100 2 C F (4)
four replicates, and twelve laboratories participating with no laboratory
results deleted as outlying observations. All four aggregates had relatively
low absorption values (water absorption values ranging from 0.5 to
where: 0.8 %).
AC = measured asphalt content percent by mass of the NOTE 9—These precision statements are applicable to Test Method A
only, using laboratory prepared mixtures (not plant-mixed pavement
oven-dry asphalt mixture sample,
samples). The precision of Test Method B has not been determined.
MA = total mass of aggregate remaining after ignition,
MB = total mass of the asphalt mixture sample prior to 16. Keywords
ignition, and 16.1 asphalt content; asphalt paving mixtures; ignition
CF = calibration factor, obtained in Section 12.
method

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