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1.1 This test method covers the determination of effective porosity or effective air voids of compacted mixtures by the use of a vacuum sealing method.

1.2 This method can be used for compacted field and laboratory asphalt mixture samples, as well as other compacted samples with well-defined geometrical shapes, such as concrete cylinders, cored rocks, and metal samples.

1.3 The results of this test method can be used to determine the degree of interconnectivity of air voids within a sample and can be correlated to permeability of compacted asphalt mixture samples.

1.4 A multi-laboratory precision and bias statement for this standard has not been developed at this time. Therefore, this standard should not be used for acceptance or rejection of a material for purchasing purposes.

1.5 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in nonconformance with the standard.

1.6 The text of this standard references notes and footnotes which provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes (excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be considered as requirements of the standard.

1.7 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.8 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.

4.1 In this test method, a compacted sample is vacuum sealed inside a plastic bag. The density of the sample, SG1, is calculated using a water displacement method, with the sample sealed. With the sample still in water, the bag is cut open. Since the sample is under vacuum and the air voids are evacuated, water will rush in to fill all the water-accessible air voids in the compacted sample. With the saturated weight of sample known, an apparent maximum density, SG2, can be calculated. The difference between SG2 and SG1 is the measure of the amount of water that has penetrated the compacted sample. This difference can be used to determine the fraction of total number of voids that are accessible to water, effective percent porosity or percent effective air voids.

4.2 The results obtained from this method can be used to determine the percentage of total air voids in a compacted sample that can be filled with water through surface or interconnected paths within the sample. In general, effective percent porosity should be less than total percent air voids.

4.3 This method can be used for 100 mm [4 in.] and 150 mm [6 in.] diameter cylindrical samples and cubical samples.