This test method covers the determination of the failure strain and failure stress of asphalt binders by means of a direct tension test. It can be used with unaged or aged material using AASHTO T 240 (RTFOT) or R 28 (PAV), or both. The test apparatus is designed for testing within the temperature range from +6 to –36°C.

This test method is limited to asphalt binders containing particulate material having dimensions less than 250 μm.

This test method is not valid for specimens exhibiting a failure strain of greater than 10 percent considered outside the brittle–ductile range.