Samples should be dried to a constant mass, unless control situations necessitate rapid test results on coarse aggregate.

• A. False
• B. True
• C. Not specified
• D. Always

Answer: (B)

Drying samples to a constant mass is the standard practice because moisture can inflate the measured weight and throw off calculations like absorption, density, and the amount of asphalt needed in a mix. You dry the sample in an oven (at a prescribed temperature, typically around 110°C) and weigh it repeatedly until two successive masses are within a very small difference, confirming you’ve reached the dry, constant-mass state. Only then is the mass considered Oven-Dried and reliable for calculations.

There are times in plant work when a quick result is needed, especially with coarse aggregate, so procedures allow a rapid test in those control situations. In that case, you trade some precision for speed, using a method that doesn’t wait for constant mass. So the statement reflects the general rule plus a practical exception, making it the correct characterization.