Marshall Stability and Flow of Asphalt Concrete

ASTM Designation: ASTM D1559

Purpose: To determine the Marshall stability and flow values of asphalt concrete.

Significance and Use: This test method is used in the laboratory mix design of
bituminous mixtures according to the Marshall procedure. The test results are also used
to characterize asphalt mixtures.

Apparatus
1. Testing machine producing a uniform vertical movement of 50.8 mm per minute
(2 in./min)
2. Breaking heads having an inside radius of curvature of 2-in.
3. Load cell or ring dynamometer, strip chart recorder or flow meter, water bath, and
rubber gloves.

Test Procedure
1. Bring the compacted specimen to a temperature of 60 oC by immersing it in a
water bath 30 to 40 minutes or by placing it in the oven for 2 hours.
2. Remove the specimen from the water bath then lightly dry and place it in the
lower segment of the breaking head. Place the upper segment of the breaking
head on the specimen, and place the complete assembly in position on the testing
machine.
3. Prepare the strip chart recorder or place the flowmeter in position over one of the
guide rods, and adjust the flowmeter to zero while holding the sleeve firmly
against the upper segment of the breaking head.
4. Apply the load to the specimen by means of the constant rate of movement of 2
in/min. until the maximum load is reached and the load decreases. The elapsed
time for the test from removal of the test specimen from the water bath to the
maximum load determination should not exceed 30 seconds.
5. Record the Marshall stability (maximum load) and the Marshall flow
(deformation when the maximum load begins to decrease in units of 0.25 mm or
hundredths of an inch). In some machines the maximum load and the flow values
are read from the ring dynamometer and the flowmeter, respectively.
6. If the specimen height is other than 2.5-in., multiply the stability value by a
correction factor

Report

1. Describe how the samples were initially prepared.

1. Calculate the average Marshall stability and flow and standard deviation for the
samples tested.
2. Discuss why the stability is important, and the significance of what the data from
the Marshall stability and flow test provides.
3. Discuss the factors that influence stability and flow of asphalt concrete, and how
the stability and flow may be increased.
4. Discuss what affect temperature susceptibility has on stability and flow of asphalt
concrete.