Performance testing of asphalt mixtures is becoming more widespread for a variety of reasons and with a variety of testing devices. The tests results are sensitive to the procedures used in preparation of the specimens. Guidelines exist for conducting the tests; however, they do not all provide uniform or comprehensive direction for fabricating test specimens.
The TRB National Cooperative Highway Research Program's NCHRP Synthesis 552: Practices for Fabricating Asphalt Specimens for Performance Testing in Laboratories documents procedures related to laboratory fabrication of asphalt performance test specimens at state departments of transportation (DOTs) and at partner laboratories that conduct performance testing on behalf of DOTs.
