Designation: D6373 − 13

Standard Specification for

Performance Graded Asphalt Binder1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D6373; 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 D2171 Test Method for Viscosity of Asphalts by Vacuum

2
1.1 This specification covers asphalt binders graded by Capillary Viscometer
performance. Grading designations are related to the average D2872 Test Method for Effect of Heat and Air on a Moving
seven-day maximum pavement design temperature, and mini- Film of Asphalt (Rolling Thin-Film Oven Test)
mum pavement design temperature. This specification contains D3381 Specification for Viscosity-Graded Asphalt Cement
Table 1 and Table 2. Table 2 incorporates Practice D6816 for for Use in Pavement Construction
determining the critical low cracking temperature using a D4402 Test Method for Viscosity Determination of Asphalt
combination of Test Method D6648 and Test Method D6723 at Elevated Temperatures Using a Rotational Viscometer
test procedures. If no table is specified, the default is Table 1. D5546 Test Method for Solubility of Asphalt Binders in
Toluene by Centrifuge
NOTE 1—For asphalt cements graded by penetration at 25°C, see D6521 Practice for Accelerated Aging of Asphalt Binder
Specification D946. For asphalt cements graded by viscosity at 60°C see
Specification D3381.
Using a Pressurized Aging Vessel (PAV)
NOTE 2—AASHTO R 29 provides non-mandatory information for D6648 Test Method for Determining the Flexural Creep
determining the performance grade of an asphalt binder. Stiffness of Asphalt Binder Using the Bending Beam
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as Rheometer (BBR)
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this D6723 Test Method for Determining the Fracture Properties
standard. of Asphalt Binder in Direct Tension (DT)
D6816 Practice for Determining Low-Temperature Perfor-
2. Referenced Documents mance Grade (PG) of Asphalt Binders
D7175 Test Method for Determining the Rheological Prop-
2.1 ASTM Standards:3 erties of Asphalt Binder Using a Dynamic Shear Rheom-
D8 Terminology Relating to Materials for Roads and Pave- eter
ments D7553 Test Method for Solubility of Asphalt Materials in
D92 Test Method for Flash and Fire Points by Cleveland N-Propyl Bromide
Open Cup Tester
D95 Test Method for Water in Petroleum Products and 2.2 AASHTO Standards:4
Bituminous Materials by Distillation AASHTO R 29 Grading or Verifying the Performance Grade
D140 Practice for Sampling Bituminous Materials of an Asphalt Binder
D946 Specification for Penetration-Graded Asphalt Cement AASHTO M 320 Standard Specification for Performance-
for Use in Pavement Construction Graded Asphalt Binder
D2042 Test Method for Solubility of Asphalt Materials in
Trichloroethylene 3. Terminology
D2170 Test Method for Kinematic Viscosity of Asphalts 3.1 Definitions:
(Bitumens) 3.1.1 Definitions for many terms common to asphalt binder
are found in Terminology Standard D8.
1
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D04 on Road 3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
and Paving Materials and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D04.40 on 3.2.1 asphalt binder, n—an asphalt-based cement that is
Asphalt Specifications. produced from petroleum residue either with or without the
Current edition approved June 1, 2013. Published July 2013. Originally approved
in 1999. Last previous edition approved in 2007 as D6373 – 07e1. DOI: 10.1520/ addition of modifiers.
D6373-13.
2
This specification is based on SHRP Product 1001 and AASHTO MP1.
3
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
4
contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. 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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 TABLE 1 Performance Graded Asphalt Binder Specification
PG 46 PG 52 PG 58 PG 64 PG 70 PG 76 PG 82
Performance Grade
–34 –40 –46 –10 –16 – 22 –28 –34 –40 –46 –16 –22 –28 –34 –40 –10 –16 –22 –28 –34– 40 –10 –16 –22– 28 –34 –40 –10 –16 –22 –28 –34 –10 –16 –22 –28 –34

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Average 7-day maximum <46 <52 <58 <64 <70 <76 <82
Pavement Design
Temperature, °C
Minimum Pavement Design > –34 > –40 > –10 > –16 > –22 > –28 > –34 > –16 > –22 > –28 > –10 > –16 > –22 > –28 > –10 > –16 > –22 > –28 > –10 > –16 > –22 > –10 > –16 > –22
Temperature,° CA > –46 > –40 > –46 > –34 > –40 > –34 > –40 > –34 > –40 > –28 > –34 > –28 > –34
Original Binder
Flash Point Temp., D92; 230
min °C
Viscosity, D4402:B 135
max. 3 Pa·s,
Test Temp., °C
Dynamic Shear, D7175:C 46 52 58 64 70 76 82
G*/sinδ, min. 1.00 kPa
25 mm Plate, 1 mm Gap
Test Temp. at 10 rad/s, °C
Rolling Thin Film Oven (Test Method D2872)
Mass Change, max. percent 1.00
Dynamic Shear, D7175: 46 52 58 64 70 76 82
G*/sinδ, min. 2.20 kPa
25 mm Plate, 1 mm Gap

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Test Temp. at 10 rad/s,°C
Pressure Aging Vessel Residue (Practice D6521)

2
PAV Aging Temperature, °CD 90 90 100 100 100 (110) 100 (110) 100 (110)
Dynamic Shear, D7175: 10 7 4 25 22 19 16 13 10 7 25 22 19 16 13 31 28 25 22 19 16 34 31 28 25 22 19 37 34 31 28 25 40 37 34 31 28
G*·sinδ, max 5000 kPa
8 mm Plate, 2 mm Gap
D6373 − 13

Test Temp. at 10 rad/s, °C

Creep Stiffness, D6648:E –24 –30 –36 0 – 6 –12 –18 –24 –30 –36 – 6 –12 –18 –24 –30 0 – 6 –12 –18 –24 –30 0 – 6 –12 –18 –24 –30 0 –6 –12 –18 –24 0 – 6 –12 –18 –24
S, max 300 MPa,
m-value; min. 0.300
Test Temp at 60 s, °C

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Direct Tension, D6723:E –24 –30 –36 0 – 6 –12 –18 –24 –30 –36 – 6 –12 –18 –24 –30 0 – 6 –12 –18 –24 –30 0 –6 –12 –18 –24 –30 0 – 6 –12 –18 –24 0 – 6 –12 –18 –24
Failure Strain, min. 1.0 %
Test Temp. at 1.0 mm/min.,
°C
A
Pavement temperatures are estimated from air temperatures using an algorithm contained in the LTPP Bind software program, or are provided by the specifying agency.
B
The referee method shall be D4402 using a #21 spindle at 20RPM, however alternate methods may be used for routine testing and quality assurance. If the binder is too stiff to test with the No. 21 Spindle, the No.
27 spindle shall be used. The spindle size and shear rate shall be reported. This requirement may be waived at the discretion of the specifying agency if the supplier warrants that the asphalt binder can be adequately
pumped and mixed at temperatures that meet all applicable safety standards.
C
For quality control of unmodified asphalt cement production, measurement of the viscosity of the original asphalt cement may be substituted for dynamic shear measurements of G*/sinδ at test temperatures where the
asphalt is a Newtonian fluid. Any suitable standard means of viscosity measurement may be used, including capillary viscometry (Test Methods D2170 or D2171) or rotational viscometry.
D
The PAV aging temperature is based on simulated climatic conditions and is one of three temperatures 90°C, 100°C or 110°C. Normally the PAV aging temperature is 100°C for PG 58–xx and above. However, in desert
climates, the PAV aging temperature for PG 70–xx and above may be specified as 110°C
E
If the creep stiffness is below 300 MPa, the direct tension test is not required. If the creep stiffness is between 300 and 600 MPa the direct tension failure strain requirement can be used in lieu of the creep stiffness
requirement. The m-value requirement must be satisfied in both cases. If the creep stiffness and m-value data are unobtainable because the binder is too soft at the test temperature, the asphalt binder will be deemed
to pass at that grade temperature if it meets the creep stiffness and m-value requirements at the test temperature minus 6°C.
 TABLE 2 Performance Graded Asphalt Binder Specification
PG 46 PG 52 PG 58 PG 64 PG 70 PG 76 PG 82

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Performance Grade
–34 –40 –46 –10 –16 – 22 –28 –34 –40 –46 –16 –22 –28 –34 –40 –10 –16 –22 –28 –34– 40 –10 –16 –22– 28 –34 –40 –10 –16 –22 –28 –34 –10 –16 –22 –28 –34
Average 7-day maximum <46 <52 <58 <64 <70 <76 <82
Pavement Design
Temperature, °C
Minimum Pavement Design > –34 > –40 > –10 > –16 > –22 > –28 > –34 > –16 > –22 > –28 > –10 > –16 > –22 > –28 > –10 > –16 > –22 > –28 > –10 > –16 > –22 > –10 > –16 > –22
Temperature,° CA > –46 > –40 > –46 > –34 > –40 > –34 > –40 > –34 > –40 > –28 > –34 > –28 > –34
Original Binder
Flash Point Temp., D92; 230
min °C
Viscosity, D4402:B 135
max. 3 Pa·s,
Test Temp., °C
Dynamic Shear, D7175:C 46 52 58 64 70 76 82
G*/sinδ, min. 1.00 kPa
25 mm Plate, 1 mm Gap
Test Temp. at 10 rad/s, °C
Rolling Thin Film Oven (Test Method D2872)
Mass Change, max. percent 1.00
Dynamic Shear, D7175: 46 52 58 64 70 76 82
G*/sinδ, min. 2.20 kPa

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25 mm Plate, 1 mm Gap
Test Temp. at 10 rad/s,°C

3
Pressure Aging Vessel Residue (Practice D6521)
PAV Aging Temperature, °CD 90 90 100 100 100 (110) 100 (110) 100 (110)
Dynamic Shear, D7175: 10 7 4 25 22 19 16 13 10 7 25 22 19 16 13 31 28 25 22 19 16 34 31 28 25 22 19 37 34 31 28 25 40 37 34 31 28
G*·sinδ, max 5000 kPa
D6373 − 13

8 mm Plate, 2 mm Gap
Test Temp. at 10 rad/s, °C
Critical Low Cracking –24 –30 –36 0 – 6 –12 –18 –24 –30 –36 – 6 –12 –18 –24 –30 0 – 6 –12 –18 –24 –30 0 –6 –12 –18 –24 –30 0 – 6 –12 –18 –24 0 – 6 –12 –18 –24
Temperature, D6816,:E
PASS

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Test Temp °C
A
Pavement temperatures are estimated from air temperatures using an algorithm contained in the LTPP Bind software program, or are provided by the specifying agency.
B
The referee method shall be D4402 using a #21 spindle at 20RPM, however alternate methods may be used for routine testing and quality assurance. If the binder is too stiff to test with the No. 21 Spindle, the No.
27 spindle shall be used. The spindle size and shear rate shall be reported. This requirement may be waived at the discretion of the specifying agency if the supplier warrants that the asphalt binder can be adequately
pumped and mixed at temperatures that meet all applicable safety standards.
C
For quality control of unmodified asphalt cement production, measurement of the viscosity of the original asphalt cement may be substituted for dynamic shear measurements of G*/sinδ at test temperatures where the
asphalt is a Newtonian fluid. Any suitable standard means of viscosity measurement may be used, including capillary viscometry (Test Methods D2170 or D2171) or rotational viscometry.
D
The PAV aging temperature is based on simulated climatic conditions and is one of three temperatures 90°C, 100°C or 110°C. Normally the PAV aging temperature is 100°C for PG 58–xx and above. However, in desert
climates, the PAV aging temperature for PG 70–xx and above may be specified as 110°C
E
For verification of grade, at a minimum perform D6648 at the test temperature and at the test temperature minus 6°C, and D6723 at the test temperature. Testing at additional temperatures for D6648 may be necessary
if 300 MPa is not bracketed at the initial two test temperatures. Compare the failure stress from D6723 to the calculated induced thermal stress as per D6816. If the failure stress exceeds the induced thermal stress,
the asphalt binder is deemed a “PASS” at the specification temperature. If the creep stiffness and m-value data are unobtainable because the binder is too soft at the test temperature, the asphalt binder will be deemed
to pass at that grade temperature if it meets the critical low cracking temperature requirements at the test temperature minus 6°C.
 D6373 − 13
4. Ordering Information will perform in the field. The end user of asphalt binders should assess the
suitability of the binder to meet the performance requirements of the
4.1 When ordering under this specification, include in the projects on which they will be used.
purchase order the performance grade (PG) of asphalt binder
required and the table used (for example, PG 52-16, Table 1 or 6. Sampling
PG 64-34, Table 2). If no table is specified, the default is Table 6.1 The material shall be sampled in accordance with
1. Practice D140.
5. Materials and Manufacture 7. Test Methods
5.1 Asphalt binder shall be prepared by the refining of crude 7.1 The properties outlined in 5.3, 5.4 and 5.5 shall be
petroleum, from naturally occurring asphalt, or combinations determined in accordance with Test Methods D92, D95,
thereof, by suitable methods, with or without the addition of D2042, D2872, D4402, D5546, Practice D6521, Test Methods
modifiers. D6648 and D6723, Practice D6816, and Test Methods D7553
5.2 Modifiers may be any materials of suitable manufacture or D7175.
that are used in virgin or recycled condition, and that are 8. Inspection and Certification
capable of being dissolved, dispersed or reacted in asphalt
8.1 Inspection and certification of the material shall be
binder with the objective of improving its performance.
agreed upon between the purchaser and the seller. Specific
NOTE 3—This specification is not intended to address the grading of requirements shall be made part of the purchase contract. The
asphalt binders containing particulate or fibrous materials larger than 250 seller shall provide material handling and storage procedures
µm in size.
for each asphalt binder grade certified.
5.3 The asphalt binder shall be homogeneous, free from
water and deleterious materials, and shall not foam when 9. Rejection and Rehearing
heated to 175°C. 9.1 If the results of any test do not conform to the require-
5.4 The asphalt binder shall be at least 99.0 % soluble, as ments of this specification, retesting to determine conformity is
determined by Test Methods D2042, D7553, or D5546. Any performed as indicated in the purchase order or as otherwise
insoluble component shall be substantially free of fibers. agreed upon between the purchaser and the seller.
5.5 The grades of asphalt binder shall conform to the 10. Keywords
requirements given in Table 1 or Table 2 10.1 asphalt binder; asphalt cement; direct tension; flash
NOTE 4—Conformance with all of the parameters of this specification is point; modifier; performance specifications; pressure aging;
not a guarantee that the asphalt concrete mix made from these products rheology

APPENDIX

(Nonmandatory Information)

X1. SUMMARY OF DIFFERENCES BETWEEN SPECIFICATION D6373 AND AASHTO M 320–10

X1.1 This specification was originally developed under the X1.2 Differences in the Scope Section (Section 1 in both
sponsorship of the American Association of State Highway and standards)
Transportation Officials (AASHTO) as part of the Strategic X1.2.1 The ASTM standard references ASTM test method
Highway Research Program (SHRP). ASTM’s version of this while the AASHTO standard references AASHTO test meth-
specification (Specification D6373) was modeled after, and is ods.
similar to the comparable AASHTO specification (AASHTO
M-320, formerly known as PP 1). X1.3 Differences in the Referenced Documents Section
(Section 2 in both standards)
X1.1.1 The 2013 revision of the ASTM specification in-
cludes several changes that bring the ASTM and AASHTO X1.3.1 In most cases, the ASTM Standard references ASTM
standards into closer alignment. To help the user understand the documents, while the AASHTO Standard references AASHTO
relationship between these standards, and in the interest of documents. The correspondence between the referenced docu-
promoting further harmonization, the remaining differences are ments is given in the following table. These differences occur
summarized below. Note that ASTM and AASHTO may use in the referenced document section (Section 2), as well as
slightly different formats and section numbering, so this within the body of each standard.
summary is intended for general information only. Please ASTM AASHTO
consult the corresponding ASTM and AASHTO standards to Standard Standard Subject
D8 ... Terminology
determine the exact differences.

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 D6373 − 13

D92 T 48 Flash Point “any insoluble component shall be substantially free of fibers.”
D95 T 55 Water Content The AASHTO standard does not include this requirement.
D140 T 40 Sampling
D946 M 20 Penetration Graded Specification X1.6.4 AASHTO allows for the use of either AASHTO test
D2042 T 44 Solubility in Trichloroethylene method T 44 or ASTM Test Method D5546 for solubility.
D2170 T 201 Kinematic Viscosity
D2171 T 202 Absolute VIscosity
ASTM allows the use of either Test Method D2042, D5546, or
D2872 T 240 Rolling Thin Film Oven Test D7553 for solubility.
D3381 M 226 Viscosity Graded Specification
D4402 T 316 Rotational Viscosity X1.7 Differences in Other Sections
D5546 – Solubility by Centrifuge
D6373 M 320 Performance Graded Specification X1.7.1 Sections 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 are essentially identical,
D6521 R 28 Pressure Aging Vessel except for any referenced documents as noted above.
D6648 T 313 Bending Beam Rheometer
D6723 T 314 Direct Tension X1.7.2 The AASHTO standard does not include this Appen-
D6816 PP R 49 Low Temperature Grade dix
D7175 T 315 Dynamic Shear Rheometer
D6648 Solubility in N-Propyl Bromide X1.8 Differences in the Body of Table 1 and Table 2
PP 28/R 35 Volumetric Design
R 29 Verifying/Grading
(these comments apply to both tables)
M 323 Volumetric Mix Design X1.8.1 ASTM defines the required gap for each of the DSR
measurements, while AASHTO does not.
X1.4 Differences in the Terminology Section (Section 3 in
both standards) X1.9 Differences in the Footnotes for Table 1 and Table 2
X1.4.1 There is no difference between the two standards. (these comments apply to both tables)
X1.9.1 In note A, AASHTO provides additional options for
X1.5 Differences in the Ordering Information Section determining the grade selection temperature, while ASTM does
(Section 4 in both standards) not.
X1.5.1 The AASHTO standard indicates that M 323 or R 35 X1.9.2 In note B, ASTM gives testing guidance for the
may be used to select asphalt grades. The ASTM standard does rotational viscosity test, while AASHTO does not.
not include a comparable statement.
X1.9.3 In note C there is a minor difference in wording.
X1.6 Differences in the Materials and Manufacture Sec- X1.9.4 AASHTO adds note D: “G*/sinδ = high temperature
tion (Section 5 in both standards) stiffness and G* sinδ = intermediate temperature stiffness.”
X1.6.1 The ASTM standard allows naturally occurring as- ASTM does not have this note.
phalts to be used for manufacturing PG graded binders. The X1.9.5 AASHTO adds note E: “The mass change shall be
AASHTO standard only allows asphalt binders from the less than 1.00 percent for either a positive (mass gain) or
refining of crude petroleum. negative (mass loss) change.” ASTM does not have this note.
X1.6.2 The AASHTO standard only allows organic modifi- X1.9.6 AASHTO Note F is the same as ASTM note D
ers for asphalt binders. X1.9.7 AASHTO Note G is the same as ASTM note E,
X1.6.3 Both ASTM and AASHTO require the binder to be except that ASTM gives guidance for when the binder is too
99.0 % soluble. However the ASTM standard requires that soft to be properly tested.

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