Stone Mastic Asphalt (SMA) are bituminous mixtures containing agglomerates with a

discontinuous particle size distribution and high content of binder (bitumen). Because of their
excellent mechanical properties, and superior durability, they have become the second group
of bituminous mixtures used in Europe for the top road layer.

Characteristics

The manufacturing process involves a heating stage of binder and aggregates prior to the mixing.
Also, the implementation of the asphalt mixture on site, requires heating the material higher
than room temperature.

SMA mixtures are characterized to have a big quantity of coarse aggregates and a high
proportion of binder and mineral powder. Thus, they have a low proportion of intermediate
particles (sizes between 2 and 4 mm) and, they contain a small quantity of stabilizing additive.

By increasing the content of big aggregates, the direct contact between them is increased. The
mineral powder and bitumen are used in high proportion to ensure the complete filling of voids
in the mixture and it provides high cohesion to the mixture.

The stabilizing additive is used to prevent the runoff of the binder and the segregation of the
mortar during the stocking, transport and spreading. The additives normally used are organic
fibers or minerals.

A study performed by the EAPA published in 2007, mentions that the average operational life
for a common asphalt is around 14 years, while the SMA operational life is around 20 years.