ASTM D8140-18(2023) PDF

Overview

ASTM D8140-18(2023), titled Standard Guide for the Use of Foundry Sand in Asphalt Mixtures, provides comprehensive guidelines for the use of virgin or recovered foundry sand as a fine aggregate component in asphalt mixtures. Developed by ASTM Committee D04 on Road and Paving Materials, this guide establishes requirements for the physical and chemical properties of foundry sand, as well as procedures for its sampling, testing, certification, and documentation.

This standard aims to support contractors, foundry sand suppliers, asphalt producers, and purchasers by outlining the necessary parameters to ensure the quality, suitability, and environmental compliance of foundry sand when used in hot mix asphalt (HMA) and other asphaltic mixtures.

Key Topics

• Physical and Chemical Requirements: Specifies criteria for particle size distribution, grain shape, moisture content, relative density, and optional soundness testing for foundry sand.
• Material Quality: Details the need for foundry sand to consist of hard, tough, durable particles and to be free from harmful waste streams such as slag, dust, or other contaminants.
• Environmental Considerations: Emphasizes testing for toxicity, leachate characteristics, and reactivity (such as cyanides and sulfides), ensuring compliance with current local, state, and federal regulations.
• Sampling and Testing Methods: References established ASTM and EPA methods for sampling, sieve analysis, moisture determination, and chemical testing.
• Ordering and Documentation: Outlines what should be included in purchase orders (quantity, test requirements, exceptions), and encourages thorough documentation and certification by suppliers.
• Package Marking and Shipping: Requires clear labeling of packaged materials and proper shipping documentation to accompany every shipment.

Applications

The use of foundry sand as a fine aggregate in asphalt mixtures provides both economic and environmental benefits by recycling an industrial byproduct and reducing the consumption of virgin natural resources. Key industry applications include:

• Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) Production: Foundry sand can improve the fine aggregate composition of HMA, potentially enhancing certain performance characteristics.
• Sustainable Road Construction: Incorporating recovered foundry sand aligns with sustainable construction practices, supporting recycling initiatives and waste reduction goals.
• Cost-Effective Material Sourcing: Contractors and producers can access a reliable source of quality fine aggregate, possibly at reduced cost compared to natural alternatives.

In all cases, strict compliance with the guidelines ensures that the inclusion of foundry sand does not compromise pavement durability, environmental protection, or regulatory obligations.

Related Standards

ASTM D8140-18(2023) references several important standards and testing methods for evaluating foundry sand and asphalt mixtures, including:

• ASTM C88/C88M - Test Method for Soundness of Aggregates
• ASTM C117 - Test Method for Materials Finer than 75-μm Sieve by Washing
• ASTM C125 - Terminology Relating to Concrete and Concrete Aggregates
• ASTM C128 - Test Method for Relative Density and Absorption of Fine Aggregate
• ASTM C136/C136M - Sieve Analysis of Fine and Coarse Aggregates
• ASTM D75/D75M - Practice for Sampling Aggregates
• ASTM D8 - Terminology Relating to Materials for Roads and Pavements
• EPA SW-846 Methods:
  • Test Method 1312 (Synthetic Precipitation Leaching Procedure)
  • Test Methods for Reactive Cyanide and Sulfide
  • Soil and Waste pH Measurement

Using these referenced standards ensures robust evaluation and traceability for the foundry sand being incorporated into asphalt mixtures.

Keywords: foundry sand, asphalt mixtures, fine aggregates, ASTM D8140, HMA, sustainable construction, material quality, aggregate testing, environmental compliance, road materials standards