WSDOT Errata to FOP for AASHTO T 312

Preparing and Determining the Density of Asphalt Mixture Specimens by Means of the
Superpave Gyratory Compactor

WAQTC FOP for AASHTO T 312 has been adopted by WSDOT with the following changes:

Equipment Preparation

Include bullet below:

• Pre-heat molds and plates in the oven set no more than 25° F above the compaction
temperature shown on the mix design report.

Sample Preparation

Plant Produced Asphalt Mixtures

Replace step 3 with below:

3. Place in the oven until the material is 5° F above the compaction temperature shown on the
mix design report.

Compaction Procedure

Replace step 3 with below:

3. Remove the pan of Asphalt Mixture from the oven and in one motion invert the pan onto
the construction paper, vinyl mat, etc. Quickly remove any material that remains in the pan
and include it with the Asphalt Mixture sample to be compacted. Grasp opposing edges
of the paper and roll them together to form the Asphalt Mixture into a cylindrical shape.
Insert one end of the paper roll into the bottom of the compaction mold and remove the
paper as the Asphalt Mixture slides into the mold. This process needs to be accomplished in
approximately 60 seconds. Place the mixture into the mold in one lift. Care should be taken
to avoid segregation in the mold.

WSDOT Materials Manual M 46-01.42 Page 1 of 8

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Page 2 of 8 WSDOT Materials Manual M 46-01.42

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ASPHALT II WAQTC FOP AASHTO T 312 (22)

PREPARING AND DETERMINING THE DENSITY OF ASPHALT MIXTURE

SPECIMENS BY MEANS OF THE SUPERPAVE GYRATORY COMPACTOR
FOP FOR AASHTO T 312

Scope
This procedure covers preparing specimens, using samples of plant produced asphalt
mixtures, for determining the mechanical and volumetric properties of asphalt mixtures in
accordance with AASHTO T 312-22.

Apparatus
 Superpave Gyratory Compactor (SGC) meeting the requirements of AASHTO
T 312
 Molds meeting the requirements of AASHTO T 312
 Chute, mold funnel or both (Optional)
 Scale meeting the requirements of AASHTO M 231 Class G 5
 Oven, thermostatically controlled, capable of maintaining set temperature within ±3ºC
(±5ºF)
 Thermometers with a temperature range of at least 10 to 230°C (50 - 450°F) and accurate
to ±1ºC (±2°F)
Note 1: Non-Contact thermometers are not acceptable.

 Miscellaneous pans, spoons, spatulas, hot pads, gloves, paper discs, markers, etc.

Equipment Requirements
The calibration shall be performed on the SGC per the Manufacturer’s instructions. See
agency requirements for the calibration frequency.
The mold and base plate dimensions shall be checked every twelve months or 80 hours of
operation to determine that they are within the tolerances listed in AASHTO T 312.

Equipment Preparation
Prepare the equipment in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations. At a minimum
preparation includes:
 Warm-up gyratory compactor
 Verify machine settings
- Internal Angle: 1.16 0.02
- Ram Pressure: 600 kPa 18 kPa

53_T 312_short_22_errata Asphalt II 21-1 Pub. October 2022

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ASPHALT II WAQTC FOP AASHTO T 312 (22)

- Number of gyrations
Note 2: The number of gyrations (Ndes) is obtained from the Job Mix Formula (JMF).

 Lubricate bearing surfaces

 Prepare recording device as required
 Pre-heat molds and plates at the compaction temperature range (minimum of 30 min.) or
before reuse reheat (minimum of 5 min.)
Note 3: The use of multiple molds will speed up the compaction process.

 Pre-heat chute, mold funnel, spatulas, and other apparatus (not to exceed the maximum
compaction temperature)

Sample Preparation
Laboratory Prepared Asphalt Mixtures
This is a sample produced during the Mix Design process using aggregate and binder that is
combined in the laboratory. When designing asphalt mixtures using the gyratory compactor,
refer to AASHTO T 312 and AASHTO R 35.
Plant Produced Asphalt Mixtures
 Determine initial sample size, number of gyrations (Ndes), and compaction temperature
range from the Job Mix Formula (JMF).
 Obtain the sample in accordance with the FOP for AASHTO R 97.
 Reduce the sample in accordance with the FOP for AASHTO R 47.
 The sample size should be such that it results in a compacted specimen that is 115 ±5 mm
at the desired number of gyrations.
Note 4: Replicate specimens are generally prepared. Refer to agency requirements.
If the material is not in the compaction temperature range:
1. Place the appropriate sample mass into a container.
2. Spread to a depth of 1 to 2 in. for even heating of mixture.
3. Place in the oven until the material is within the compaction temperature range.
Note 5: The material properties may be altered when the times of delivery of the test sample and the placement
of the material on the roadway are different.

53_T 312_short_22_errata Asphalt II 21-2 Pub. October 2022

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ASPHALT II WAQTC FOP AASHTO T 312 (22)

Compaction Procedure
Follow the manufacturer’s recommended loading procedure. This may require the steps
below to be performed in a different order. Steps 1 through 8 must be performed before the
sample and mold cools below minimum compaction temperature.
1. Remove pre-heated mold and plate(s) from the oven (verify mold and plate(s) has been
cleaned if previously used).
2. Place the base plate and paper disc in bottom of mold.
3. Place the mix into the mold in a single lift (care should be taken to avoid segregation or
loss of material).
4. Level the mix in the mold.
5. Place a paper disc and the heated upper plate (if required) on top of the leveled sample.
6. Load the mold into the compactor, check settings.
7. Start the compaction process.
a. Check the pressure (600 ±18 kPa).
b. Check the angle (1.16 ±0.02°).
8. Extrude the specimen from the mold; a brief cooling period may be necessary before
fully extruding some specimens to ensure the specimens are not damaged.
Note 6: Clean molds after each use.
9. Upon completion of the compaction process, record the number of gyrations and
specimen height.
Note 7: If the specimen is not 115 ±5 mm, follow agency requirements.
10. Carefully remove the paper discs.
11. Cool the compacted specimen to room temperature.
12. Identify the specimen with chalk or other marker.

Report
 On forms approved by the agency
 Sample ID
 Number of gyrations
 Specimen height to the nearest 0.1 mm

53_T 312_short_22_errata Asphalt II 21-3 Pub. October 2022

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ASPHALT II WAQTC FOP AASHTO T 312 (22)

53_T 312_short_22_errata Asphalt II 21-4 Pub. October 2022

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ASPHALT II WAQTC FOP AASHTO T 312 (20)

PERFORMANCE EXAM CHECKLIST

PREPARING AND DETERMINING THE DENSITY OF ASPHALT MIXTURE

SPECIMENS BY MEANS OF THE SUPERPAVE GYRATORY COMPACTOR
FOP FOR AASHTO T 312

Participant Name ____________________________________ Exam Date ______________

Record the symbols “P” for passing or “F” for failing on each step of the checklist.

Procedure Element Trial 1 Trial 2

1. Angle, pressure and number of gyrations set? _____ _____
2. Bearing surfaces, rotating base surface, and rollers lubricated? _____ _____
3. Representative sample obtained according to the FOP for AASHTO R 97? _____ _____
4. Sample reduced according to FOP AASHTO R 47? _____ _____
5. Sample placed in a container and spread to 1 or 2 inches thick for
even heating? _____ _____
6. Asphalt mixture heated to compaction temperature range? _____ _____
7. Mold, base plate, and upper plate heated to compaction temperature range? _____ _____
8. Mold, base plate, and upper plate (if required) removed from oven and
paper disk placed on bottom of mold? _____ _____
9. Mix placed into mold in one lift without segregation? _____ _____
10. Paper disk placed on top of the asphalt mixture? _____ _____
11. Mold placed into compactor and upper plate clamped into place? _____ _____
12. Pressure applied at 600 kPa ±18 kPa? _____ _____
13. Specified number of gyrations applied? _____ _____
14. Proper angle confirmed from display? _____ _____
15. Compacted specimen removed from mold, paper disc(s) removed, and
allowed to cool to room temperature? _____ _____
16. Asphalt mixture sample measured to a height of 115 ±5 mm at required
gyrations? _____ _____

Comments: First attempt: Pass Fail Second attempt: Pass Fail

Examiner Signature _______________________________WAQTC #:_______________

41_T312_pr_20 Asphalt II 11-9 Pub. October 2022

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ASPHALT II WAQTC FOP AASHTO T 312 (20)

41_T312_pr_20 Asphalt II 11-10 Pub. October 2022

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