Improved Rice Method for Determining Theoretical Maximum Specific Gravity of Asphalt Paving Mixtures.

摘要

Rice method (ASTM D2041 ) is used for determining the theoretical maximum specific gravity of asphalt paving mixtures which is one of the main test parameters used for mix design and construction quality control. The repeatability and reproducibility of the Rice method is not considered satisfactory especially when highly absorptive aggregates are used in the mixture. Such aggregates can absorb water during the vacuuming phase of the Rice method. This necessitates the use of a supplementary (dry-back) procedure which is even more prone to testing errors. There is a need to improve the Rice method to avoid the aforementioned problems.