This specification covers asphalt binders graded by performance. Grading designations are related to the average seven-day maximum pavement design and minimum pavement design temperatures. Table 2 incorporates AASHTO PP42 for determining the critical low cracking temperature using a combination of AASHTO T 313 and T 314 test procedures. If no table is specified, the default is Table 1.

For asphalt cements graded by penetration at 25°C, see AASHTO M 20. For asphalt cements graded by viscosity at 60°C, see AASHTO M 226.

AASHTO R 29 provides information for determining the performance grade of an asphalt binder.