Bituminous materials may be sampled only in the hot state.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Only when heated
• D. Only after cooling

Answer: (B)

Bituminous materials can be sampled in more than one state; the required state depends on the test method and handling needs. Some procedures call for hot sampling to keep the material representative of its fresh, workable condition and to prevent segregation, especially with hot mix asphalt and flowing binders. Other procedures allow or require sampling after cooling to ambient temperature, which can be easier to handle and is appropriate for tests or storage that don’t need the material hot. The key is to follow the method’s specified state to ensure a representative sample and accurate test results, not that samples must always be hot.