Cutback Asphalt (Medium-Curing Type)

D2027/D2027M: Standard Specification for Cutback Asphalt (Medium-Curing Type)

When specifying materials for durable and effective road construction and maintenance, precision and adherence to established standards are paramount. ASTM D2027/D2027M provides engineers and project managers with the authoritative guidelines necessary to select and utilize medium-curing type cutback asphalt, ensuring consistent performance and quality in a wide range of paving applications. This essential standard acts as a cornerstone for professionals seeking reliable asphalt binders.

What is D2027/D2027M?

ASTM D2027/D2027M, Standard Specification for Cutback Asphalt (Medium-Curing Type), is a comprehensive industry standard developed by ASTM International. It defines the chemical and physical properties, as well as the testing methods, for medium-curing (MC) grade cutback asphalts. Its primary purpose is to ensure that these asphalt products meet stringent quality and performance requirements for their intended use in pavement construction and surface treatments.

Scope & Purpose

This standard governs the specification of petroleum asphalts that have been "cut back" with a volatile diluent to achieve a lower viscosity for ease of application. Specifically, it covers medium-curing types, which are designed for applications where a moderate curing time is required. The scope includes defining specific grades of MC cutback asphalt (e.g., MC-30, MC-70, MC-250, MC-800, MC-3000) and their corresponding performance criteria. It does not cover rapid-curing or slow-curing types of cutback asphalt, nor does it provide guidance on application techniques or mix design procedures.

Who Must Comply?

• • Primary audience: Materials engineers, civil engineers, paving inspectors, quality control technicians, and asphalt plant operators.
• • Industries affected: Construction, Paving, Road Maintenance, Materials Supply, and Petroleum industries.
• • Compliance nature: While adherence to ASTM standards is often voluntary, it is frequently mandated by project specifications, government regulations, and contractual agreements, making it effectively required for many public and private works.
• • Enforcement: Compliance is typically verified through quality control testing performed by the material supplier and validated by project inspectors or third-party testing laboratories, often referencing the test methods outlined within the standard itself.

Key Requirements Overview

Professionals utilizing ASTM D2027/D2027M must ensure that the medium-curing cutback asphalt meets several critical performance indicators. The standard requires:

• • Controlled Viscosity: Specific kinematic viscosity ranges at 60°C (140°F) are defined for each grade, ensuring appropriate fluidity for application.
• • Flash Point Specifications: Minimum flash points are stipulated to ensure safe handling and application temperatures.
• • Distillation Characteristics: Limits are set for the volume of diluent that evaporates at specific temperatures, dictating the curing rate of the asphalt.
• • Residue Properties: Key properties of the asphalt residue remaining after distillation, such as viscosity or penetration, are specified to ensure the final binder’s performance.
• • Purity and Water Content: Maximum allowable percentages for water and minimum solubility are