Institute of Technology of Cambodia Road design II (TP)
TP8: MARSHALL TEST-ASTM D1559
1. Introduction
The Marshall Test is a widely practiced in a construction material laboratory for
proportioning aggregate and asphalt materials used in pavement construction. The test involves
compacting asphalt specimens in cylindrical molds, conditioning in a water tank, and loading
in a breaking head.
2. Objective
The Marshall Test measures the load and flow rate of asphalt samples. Because not all
asphalt is created the same, we need to know how well an asphalt mixture will perform in
addition to the maximum load it can support.
3. Materials and Equipment
Material:
- Compacted Asphalt Specimens sample from TP7.
Equipment:
- Marshall Stability Test Apparatus: test stability
- Computer: collect data
- Vernier Caliper: measure the volume of specimens
- Oven
- Vacuum oven: heat the specimens in 60°C
- Balance
- Gloves
Table 17: Material and Equipment
Marshall Stability Test
Computer Vacuum oven
Apparatus
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Institute of Technology of Cambodia Road design II (TP)
Drying Oven Vernier Caliper Balancer
Compacted Asphalt Samples Gloves
4. Precautions
To ensure the test is done safely, avoiding any risks, and to achieve reliable results, some
safety precautions are done, such as:
- Compacted asphalt specimens can be quite hot after submersion in the water bath. Wear
heat-resistant gloves while handing specimens sample in and out from vacuum oven.
- Ensure the Marshall compactor and testing machine are working correctly and follow
the manufacturer's instructions for safe operation.
- The Marshall Test can involve repetitive motions, particularly during hand-mixing of
asphalt samples. Use proper lifting techniques and take breaks to avoid strain or injury.
5. Procedure
1) Density:
i. Measure the diameter and height of each compacted asphalt sample by using a
measurement tool (Venier Caliper).
ii. Weigh the sample in air, in water, and the saturated-surface dry mass (SSD).
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