Standard Practice for

Designing Stone Matrix

Asphalt (SMA)

AASHTO Designation: R 46-08 (2012)

1. SCOPE
1.1. This standard practice covers the design of Stone Matrix Asphalt (SMA) using the Superpave
Gyratory Compactor™ (SGC). The SMA design is based on the volumetric properties of the SMA
in terms of air voids (Va), voids in the mineral aggregate (VMA), and the presence of stone-on-
stone contact.

1.2. The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The U.S. Customary units in
parentheses are for information only.

1.3. This standard practice does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated
with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard practice to establish appropriate
safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

2. REFERENCED DOCUMENTS
2.1. AASHTO Standards:
M 325, Stone Matrix Asphalt (SMA)
R 30, Mixture Conditioning of Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA)
T 19M/T 19, Bulk Density (“Unit Weight”) and Voids in Aggregate
T 27, Sieve Analysis of Fine and Coarse Aggregates
T 85, Specific Gravity and Absorption of Coarse Aggregate
T 166, Bulk Specific Gravity (Gmb) of Compacted Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) Using Saturated
Surface-Dry Specimens
T 209, Theoretical Maximum Specific Gravity (Gmm) and Density of Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA)
T 283, Resistance of Compacted Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) to Moisture-Induced Damage
T 305, Determination of Draindown Characteristics in Uncompacted Asphalt Mixtures
T 312, Preparing and Determining the Density of Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) Specimens
by Means of the Superpave Gyratory Compactor

2.2. Asphalt Institute Publication:

MS-2, Mix Design Methods for Asphalt Concrete and Other Hot-Mix Types

3. TERMINOLOGY
3.1. Definitions:

3.2. stone matrix asphalt (SMA)—a hot mix asphalt (HMA) consisting of two parts, a coarse aggregate
skeleton and a rich asphalt binder mortar. The mixture must have an aggregate skeleton with

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 coarse aggregate-on-coarse aggregate contact (generally referred to as stone-on-stone contact).
The coarse aggregate is generally considered to be that fraction of the aggregate retained on the
4.75-mm (No. 4) sieve but may be designated as other sizes.

3.3. air voids (Va)—the total volume of the small pockets of air between the coated aggregate particles
throughout a compacted paving mixture, expressed as a percent of the bulk volume of the
compacted paving mixture (Note 1).
Note 1—Term defined in the Asphalt Institute Publication MS-2.

3.4. voids in the mineral aggregate (VMA)—the volume of the intergranular void space between the
aggregate particles of a compacted paving mixture that includes the air voids and the effective
binder content, expressed as a percent of the total volume of the specimen (Note 1).

3.5. voids in the coarse aggregate (VCA)—the volume between the coarse aggregate particles. This
volume includes filler, fine aggregate, air voids, asphalt binder, and stabilizing additive (if used).

3.6. SMA mortar—a mixture of asphalt binder, filler [material passing the 0.075-mm (No. 200) sieve],
and stabilizing additive.

3.7. stabilizing additive—either cellulose or mineral fiber.

4. SUMMARY OF THE PRACTICE

4.1. Materials Selection—Asphalt binder, aggregate, mineral fillers, and stabilizing additives that meet
the applicable specification are selected.

4.2. Selecting Optimum Gradation—Three recommended trial aggregate gradations from the selected
aggregates are blended. The dry-rodded unit weight for the coarse aggregate for each trial
gradation is determined in accordance with T 19M/T 19. For each trial gradation, an initial trial
asphalt binder content is selected and at least two specimens are compacted in accordance with
T 312. Where no previous history is available, an initial trial asphalt binder content between 6.0
and 6.5 percent is recommended. Gradations of the three blends are selected to ensure that
minimum VMA requirements and stone-on-stone contact are achieved.

4.3. Selecting Design Binder Content—Replicate specimens are compacted in accordance with T 312
at three binder contents. The design binder content is selected on the basis of satisfactory
conformance with the requirements of Section 10 (Note 2).
Note 2—When an SMA mix cannot be designed within the minimum binder content
requirements, the guidelines given in Table X2.1 can be used to establish minimum binder content
requirements based on the combined-aggregate bulk specific gravity.

4.4. Evaluating Moisture Susceptibility—The moisture susceptibility of the mixture, designed and
compacted in accordance with T 312 to a Va content of 6.0 1.0 percent, is evaluated in
accordance with T 283.

4.5. Evaluating Draindown—The mixture is evaluated for sensitivity to asphalt binder draindown in
accordance with T 305. If the mixture fails the moisture susceptibility or draindown tests, it must
be modified so that the specification requirements are met.

5. TEST SPECIMENS
5.1. Number of Samples—A total of nine samples are initially required; at least three samples at each
of the three trial gradations are produced. Each sample is mixed with the trial asphalt binder

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 content, and two of the three samples for each trial gradation are compacted. The remaining
sample of each trial gradation is used to determine the theoretical maximum density in accordance
with T 209.

5.2. Preparation of Aggregates—Dry aggregates to a constant mass at 105 to 110 C (221 to 230 F),
and separate the aggregates by dry-sieving into the desired size fractions. The following size
fractions are recommended:
37.5 mm (11/2 in.) to 25.0 mm (1 in.);
25.0 mm (1 in.) to 19.0 mm (3/4 in.);
19.0 mm (3/4 in.) to 12.5 mm (1/2 in.);
12.5 mm (1/2 in.) to 9.5 mm (3/8 in.);
9.5 mm (3/8 in.) to 4.75 mm (No. 4);
4.75 mm (No. 4) to 2.36 mm (No. 8);
2.36 mm (No. 8) to 0.075 mm (No. 200); and
Passing 0.075 mm (No. 200).

5.3. Determination of Mixing and Compaction Temperatures:

5.3.1. The temperature to which the asphalt binder must be heated to produce a viscosity of 170 20 cSt
shall be the mixing temperature.

5.3.2. The temperature to which the asphalt binder must be heated to produce a viscosity of 280 30 cSt
shall be the compaction temperature.
Note 3—While the temperatures given in Sections 5.3.1 and 5.3.2 are appropriate for neat asphalt
binders, the selected temperatures may not be applicable to modified asphalt binders. In those
cases, it is recommended that the manufacturer’s guidelines for mixing and compaction
temperatures be used.

5.4. Preparation of Mixtures:

5.4.1. A mechanical mixing apparatus shall be used.

5.4.2. An initial batch shall be mixed for the purpose of “buttering” the mixing bowl and stirrers. This
batch shall be emptied after mixing, and the sides of the bowl and stirrers shall be cleaned of
mixture residue by scraping with a small limber spatula but shall not be wiped with a cloth or
washed clean with solvent, except when a change is to be made in the asphalt binder or at the end
of a design.

5.4.3. Into separate pans for each test specimen, weigh sufficient material to produce compacted samples
of the desired volume, approximately 4700 g. Mix the aggregate in each pan. Place the aggregate
in an oven and heat to a temperature not exceeding the mixing temperature established in
Section 5.3 by more than approximately 28 C (50 F). Heat the asphalt binder to the established
mixing temperature. The stabilizing additive is added to the heated aggregate prior to the
introduction of the asphalt binder.
Note 4—It is recommended that the stabilizing additive be manually mixed with the heated
aggregate. This procedure is needed to ensure an even distribution of the stabilizing additive
during the laboratory mixing process. The use of stabilizing additives generally requires slightly
longer mixing times.

5.4.4. Form a crater in the dry blended aggregate and stabilizing additive, and weigh the preheated
required amount of asphalt binder into the crater. Care must be exercised to prevent loss of the mix
during mixing and subsequent handling. At this point, the temperature of the aggregate and asphalt

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 binder shall be within the limits of the mixing temperature established in Section 5.3. Mix the
aggregate and asphalt binder rapidly until the aggregate is thoroughly coated.

5.5. Compaction of Specimens—The compaction temperature is determined in accordance with

Section 5.3. Laboratory samples of SMA are short-term conditioned in accordance with R 30 and
then compacted for 100 gyrations.
Note 5—When aggregates have a Los Angeles Abrasion loss value greater than 30 percent, the
desirable number of SGC design gyrations is 75.

6. SELECTION OF TRIAL GRADATIONS

6.1. The trial gradations must be selected to be within the desired specification range as defined in
M 325. To design an SMA mixture, it is recommended that at least three trial gradations be
initially evaluated. It is suggested that one of the trial blends fall along the coarse limits, one along
the fine limits, and one in the middle of the gradation bands as defined in M 325. When the bulk
specific gravities of the different aggregates to be used in the mixture vary by more than 0.2, the
trial blend gradations should be based upon volumetric percentage. An example problem
illustrating how to blend aggregates based on volume is given in Appendix X1.1.

7. SELECTION OF TRIAL BINDER CONTENT

7.1. As a starting point, for aggregates with bulk specific gravities approximately equal to 2.75, a
binder content of approximately 6.0 percent or greater, by mass, needs to be selected. If the bulk
specific gravity of the coarse aggregate exceeds 2.75, the trial binder content can be reduced by
approximately 0.1 percent for each specific-gravity increment of 0.05 above 2.75. If the bulk
specific gravity of the coarse aggregate is below 2.75, the trial binder content can be increased
approximately 0.1 percent for each specific gravity increment of 0.05 below 2.75 (see
Table X2.1).

8. DETERMINATION OF VCA IN COARSE-AGGREGATE FRACTION OF

MIXTURE
8.1. For best performance, the SMA must have a coarse-aggregate skeleton with stone-on-stone
contact. The course-aggregate fraction is that portion of the total aggregate blend retained on the
4.75-mm (No. 4) sieve for 12.5-mm (1/2-in.) and 19-mm (3/4-in.) SMA. For the 9.5-mm (3/8-in.)
nominal-maximum aggregate size SMA, the coarse aggregate is that portion of the total aggregate
blend retained on the 2.36-mm (No. 8) sieve. The condition of stone-on-stone contact within an
SMA is defined as the point at which the VCA of the compacted mixture is less than the VCA of
the coarse aggregate in the dry-rodded test.

8.2. The dry-rodded VCA of the coarse-aggregate fraction (VCADRC) is determined by compacting the
stone with the dry-rodded technique in accordance with T 19M/T 19. When the dry-rodded density
of the stone fraction has been determined, the VCADRC can be calculated using Equation 1:
GCA w s
VCADRC 100 (1)
GCA w

where:
GCA = the bulk specific gravity of the coarse aggregate (T 85);
s = the unit weight of the coarse-aggregate fraction in the dry-rodded condition [kg/m3
(lb/ft3)] (T 19M/T 19); and
w = the unit weight of water [1000 kg/m3 (62.4 lb/ft3)].

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9. SELECTION OF DESIRED GRADATION
9.1. After the trial samples have been compacted and allowed to cool, they are removed from the
molds and tested to determine their bulk specific gravity in accordance with T 166. The
uncompacted samples are used to determine the theoretical maximum density in accordance with
T 209. Using the bulk specific gravity and theoretical maximum density, the Va, VMA, and VCA
of the compacted mixture (VCAmix) can be calculated using Equations 2, 3, and 4:
(2)

(3)

(4)
where:
Gmb = the bulk specific gravity of the compacted mixture (T 166);
Gsb = the bulk specific gravity of the total aggregate;
Ps = the percent of aggregate in the mixture;
GCA = the bulk specific gravity of the coarse-aggregate fraction (T 85);
PCA = the percent of coarse aggregate in the total mixture; and
Gmm = the theoretical maximum density of the mixture (T 209).

9.2. Of the three trial gradations evaluated, the one with the lowest percent of coarse aggregate that
meets or exceeds the minimum VMA requirement, and has a VCAmix less than VCADRC, is
selected as the desired gradation. The trial gradation selected, based on the above conditions, is
referred to as the optimum gradation.
Note 6—If possible, the selected gradation should have a VMA somewhat higher than the
minimum criteria to allow for some reduction in VMA during plant production.

10. SELECTION OF OPTIMUM BINDER CONTENT

10.1. Once the optimum gradation of the mixture has been chosen, it may be necessary to raise or lower
the binder content to obtain the proper amount of Va in the mixture. In this case, additional
samples are prepared using the selected gradation and varying the binder content. The optimum
binder content is chosen to produce the Va in the mixture specified in M 325.

10.2. Twelve samples are needed for this portion of the procedure. This number provides for three
compacted samples and one uncompacted sample (used to determine the theoretical maximum
density) at each of the three binder contents. The mixture properties are determined and the
optimum binder content is selected to provide the desired Va level. The SMA selected should have
properties meeting the criteria as specified in M 325. If these criteria are not satisfied, the mixture
should be modified so that the requirements are satisfied.

11. MOISTURE SUSCEPTIBILITY

11.1. Moisture susceptibility of the selected mixture is determined in accordance with T 283 using
samples compacted in accordance with T 312 to a Va content of 6.0 ± 1.0 percent. The retained
tensile strength level of the SMA shall be as specified in MP 8 at 6.0 1.0 percent Va.

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12. DRAINDOWN SENSITIVITY
12.1. Draindown sensitivity of the selected mixture is determined using T 305. Draindown sensitivity
is determined at the anticipated plant-production temperature and shall satisfy the requirements
of M 325.

13. ADJUSTING MIXTURE TO MEET PROPERTIES

13.1. Va Content—The amount of Va in the mixture can be controlled by the binder content. However,
a problem occurs when low Va contents exist at binder contents below the minimum values
specified. Lowering the binder content below these values to achieve a proper amount of Va
violates the minimum binder-content specification. Instead, the mixture gradation must be
modified to increase the VMA.

13.2. VMA—The VMA may be raised by increasing the percentage of coarse aggregate. Changing the
aggregate source may also be required to increase VMA.

13.3. VCAmix—If the VCAmix is higher than the VCADRC, then the mixture gradation must be modified.
This modification is typically accomplished by increasing the percentage of coarse aggregate.

13.4. Moisture Susceptibility—If the mixture fails to meet the moisture-susceptibility requirements,
anti-strip agents can be used. If these measures prove ineffective, the aggregate source and/or
binder source can be changed to obtain better aggregate/binder compatibility.

13.5. Draindown Sensitivity—Problems with draindown sensitivity can be remedied by increasing the
amount of, or by selecting a different, stabilizing additive.

14. REPORT
14.1. Report the following information:

14.1.1. Identification of the project name and project number;

14.1.2. Information on the materials used, including aggregate source, binder source and performance
grade, type and amount of stabilizing additive, and material quality characteristics;

14.1.3. Results of the gradation optimization (results of all trial gradations);

14.1.4. Optimum gradation and binder content;

14.1.5. Volumetric properties for each trial blend and at the optimum binder content;

14.1.6. Moisture susceptibility results; and

14.1.7. Draindown sensitivity results.

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APPENDIXES
(Nonmandatory Information)

X1. EXAMPLE OF BLENDING AGGREGATE COMPONENTS TO SATISFY

SMA GRADATION BANDS

X1.1. In HMA designs, specified aggregate gradations should be based on aggregate volume and not
aggregate mass. However, for most conventional HMA mixtures (dense-graded), the specific
gravities of the different aggregate stockpiles are assumed to be sufficiently comparable to make
the gradations based on mass percentages similar to those based on volumetric percentages. This
assumption is often not true in the aggregate components and, particularly in the mineral fillers
used in SMA, where specific gravities vary widely. Therefore, in SMA, the specified gradation
bands presented in the mixture design procedure are based on the percent passing by volume. This
appendix gives an illustrative example with the objective of providing guidance on blending
aggregate components based on volumes to meet the SMA gradation bands. However, if the Gsb
of the different aggregates to be used within the mixture varies by 0.2 or less, gradations based on
mass percentages may be used.

X1.2. The first step is to perform gradation tests based on mass in accordance with T 27 for the various
aggregates to be used in SMA. For the example covered in this appendix, a 19.0-mm (3/4-in.)
nominal-maximum aggregate size SMA is to be blended. Table X1.1 provides the results of the
gradation tests performed on four aggregates that are to be blended. Also needed to determine
aggregate gradations based on volume are the Gsb of the different aggregates. Table X1.1 also
provides the Gsb values for each aggregate. Notice that the Gsb values differ by more than 0.2.

X1.3. The second step is to determine the percent, by mass, retained on each sieve for the different
aggregates. For a given sieve, this calculation is performed by subtracting the percent passing the
given sieve from the percent passing the next larger sieve. For example, using Aggregate C, the
percent, by mass, retained on the 4.75-mm (No. 4) sieve would be calculated as follows:

Percent retained on 4.75-mm (No. 4) Sieve = 84.6 – 48.9 = 35.7 percent

where:
84.6 = the percent by mass passing the 9.5-mm (3/8-in.) sieve (Table X1.1);
48.9 = the percent by mass passing the 4.75-mm (No. 4) sieve (Table X1.1); and
35.7 = the percent by mass retained on the 4.75-mm (No. 4) sieve.

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Table X1.1—Results of Gradation and Specific Gravity Tests for Aggregates to Be Used
Stockpile Designation and Percent Passing Based on Mass
Sieve Aggregate A Aggregate B Aggregate C Mineral Filler
19.0 mm (3/4 in.) 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0
12.5 mm (1/2 in.) 66.0 71.0 97.4 100.0
9.5 mm (3/8 in.) 43.0 46.0 84.6 100.0
4.75 mm (No. 4) 9.0 6.0 48.9 100.0
2.36 mm (No. 8) 5.0 4.0 27.8 100.0
1.18 mm (No. 16) 2.0 4.0 16.6 100.0
0.60 mm (No. 30) 2.0 3.0 10.7 100.0
0.30 mm (No. 50) 2.0 3.0 7.6 100.0
0.075 mm (No. 200) 1.0 1.5 4.6 72.5
Gsb 2.616 2.734 2.736 2.401

X1.4. In the third step, assume the mass of each aggregate stockpile is 100 g. Using this assumption
allows for the mass that would be retained on each sieve for each aggregate to be determined and
shown to be equal to the numbers displayed in Table X1.2.

X1.5. Table X1.2 presents the values for the percent, by mass, retained for all sieves and aggregates.
Note that a row has been added to reflect the material finer than the 0.075-mm (No. 200) sieve.

Table X1.2—Percent, by Mass, Retained on Each Sieve

Stockpile Designation and Percent, by Mass, Retained on Each Sieve
Sieve Aggregate A Aggregate B Aggregate C Mineral Filler
19.0 mm (3/4 in.) 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
12.5 mm (1/2 in.) 34.0 29.0 2.6 0.0
9.5 mm (3/8 in.) 23.0 25.0 12.8 0.0
4.75 mm (No. 4) 34.0 40.0 35.7 0.0
2.36 mm (No. 8) 4.0 2.0 21.1 0.0
1.18 mm (No. 16) 3.0 0.0 11.2 0.0
0.60 mm (No. 30) 0.0 1.0 5.9 0.0
0.30 mm (No. 50) 0.0 0.0 3.1 0.0
0.075 mm (No. 200) 1.0 1.5 3.0 27.5
–0.075 mm (No. 200) 1.0 1.5 4.6 72.5
Total, 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0

X1.6. The fourth step converts the masses determined in Step 3 to volumes per sieve. To make this
conversion, the Gsb of the individual aggregates is needed. The volume of aggregate retained on
each sieve for each aggregate can be determined from Equation X1.1:

(X1.1)

where:
w = the unit weight of water (1.0 g/cm3).

X1.7. The following calculation applies for the volume of the aggregate retained on the 4.75-mm (No. 4)
sieve of Aggregate C.
3
3

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 where:
35.7 g = the mass of Aggregate C retained on the 4.75-mm (No. 4) sieve (Table X1.2);
2.736 = the bulk specific gravity of Aggregate C (Table X1.1);
1.0 g/cm3 = the unit weight of water; and
13.05 cm3 = the volume of Aggregate C retained on the 4.75-mm (No. 4) sieve.

X1.8. The volumes retained on all sieves for each of the four aggregates are provided in Table X1.3.

Table X1.3—Volumes of Aggregate Retained on Each Sieve

Stockpile Designation and Volume of Aggregate Retained on Each Sieve, cm3
Sieve Aggregate A Aggregate B Aggregate C Mineral Filler
19.0 mm (3/4 in.) 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
12.5 mm (1/2 in.) 13.00 10.61 0.95 0.00
9.5 mm (3/8 in.) 8.79 9.14 4.68 0.00
4.75 mm (No. 4) 13.00 14.63 13.05 0.00
2.36 mm (No. 8) 1.53 0.73 7.71 0.00
1.18 mm (No. 16) 1.15 0.00 4.09 0.00
0.60 mm (No. 30) 0.00 0.37 2.16 0.00
0.30 mm (No. 50) 0.00 0.00 1.13 0.00
0.075 mm (No. 200) 0.38 0.55 1.10 11.45
–0.075 mm (No. 200) 0.38 0.55 1.68 30.20

X1.9. The values provided in Table X1.3 are used to blend the different aggregates to meet the desired
gradation based on volumes. In this procedure, the aggregate is blended by mass; then the final
gradation is determined based on volume. As with gradations based on mass, this is a trial-and-
error process. To perform the blending, select the estimated percentages, by mass, of the different
aggregates to be used. For this example, the percentages in Table X1.4 will be tried first.

Table X1.4—Percentages of the Four Aggregates

Used for the First Trial
Stockpile % of Blend by Mass
Aggregate A 30
Aggregate B 30
Aggregate C 30
Mineral filler 10

X1.10. Notice that the percentages in Table X1.4 are based on mass. This format indicates that the volume
represented by 30 percent of Aggregate A, by mass, will be used in the blending of the aggregates
based on volumes.

X1.11. The percent of each aggregate in the blend is multiplied by the volume retained on a given sieve
for each aggregate to determine the total volume retained on that sieve. Using the 4.75-mm (No. 4)
sieve, the total volume retained on the 4.75-mm (No. 4) sieve is calculated as follows:

Total volume retained on the 4.75-mm (No. 4) sieve = (0.30 13.00)

+ (0.30 14.63) + (0.30 13.05)
+ (0.10 0.00) = 12.20 cm3

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 where:
0.30, 0.30, 0.30, and 0.10 = the percentage, by mass, of each aggregate in the blend
expressed as a decimal; and
13.00, 14.63, 13.05, and 0.00 = the volume retained on the 4.75-mm (No. 4) sieve for
each aggregate (Table X1.3).

X1.12. The calculation in Section X1.11 is performed for each of the sieves in the gradation. Table X1.5
presents the total volume retained for each of the sieves in the gradation.

Table X1.5—Total Volumes Retained for Each Sieve for the First Trial
Sieve Volume Retained for Each Sieve, cm3
3
19.0 mm ( /4 in.) 0.00
12.5 mm (1/2 in.) 7.37
9.5 mm (3/8 in.) 6.78
4.75 mm (No. 4) 12.20
2.36 mm (No. 8) 2.99
1.18 mm (No. 16) 1.57
0.60 mm (No. 30) 0.76
0.30 mm (No. 50) 0.34
0.075 mm (No. 200) 1.75
–0.075 mm (No. 200) 3.80
Total Volume, 37.56

X1.13. Now, based on the total volume retained per sieve and the total volume of the blended aggregates,
the percent retained for each sieve, by volume, can be determined for the blend. This calculation is
accomplished for a given sieve by dividing the volume retained on that sieve by the total volume
of the blend. The following illustrates this calculation for the 4.75-mm (No. 4) sieve.
12.20 cm3
Percent volume retained on the 4.75-mm (No. 4) sieve = 100 = 32.48 percent
37.56 cm3
where:
12.20 cm3 = the volume retained on the 4.75-mm (No. 4) sieve (Table X1.5);
37.56 cm3 = the total volume of the blend (Table X1.5); and
32.48 = the percent volume of the blend retained on the 4.75-mm (No. 4) sieve.

X1.14. Using the percent retained per sieve based on volume, the percent passing, by volume, for the
gradation can be determined similarly to the method used for gradations based on mass. Determine
the cumulative percent retained for each sieve, and then subtract that value from 100.

X1.15. Table X1.6 provides the percents retained, based on volumes, for each of the sieves and converts
these values to percent passing.

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Table X1.6—Percents Passing Based on Volumes for the First Trial
Percent Retained on Cumulative Percent Percent Passing
Sieve Each Sieve Retained by Volume
19.0 mm (3/4 in.) 0.0 0.0 100.0
12.5 mm (1/2 in.) 19.6 19.6 80.4
9.5 mm (3/8 in.) 18.0 37.6 62.4
4.75 mm (No. 4) 32.5 70.1 29.9
2.36 mm (No. 8) 8.0 78.1 21.9
1.18 mm (No. 16) 4.2 82.3 17.7
0.60 mm (No. 30) 2.0 84.3 15.7
0.30 mm (No. 50) 0.9 85.2 14.8
0.075 mm (No. 200) 4.7 89.9 10.1
–0.075 mm (No. 200) 10.1 100.0 0.0

X1.16. Now, the blended gradation is compared to the required gradation band (also based on volume).
Table X1.7 compares the gradation band for a 19.0-mm (3/4-in.) nominal-maximum aggregate size
SMA from MP 8 to the gradation shown in Table X1.6.

Table X1.7—Comparison of Gradation Blend Based on Volume for the First Trial
to Specified Gradation Band
Sieve Gradation Band Percent Passing for Blend
19.0 mm (3/4 in.) 90 to 100 100.0
12.5 mm (1/2 in.) 50 to 88 80.4
9.5 mm (3/8 in.) 25 to 60 62.4a
4.75 mm (No. 4) 20 to 28 29.9a
2.36 mm (No. 8) 16 to 24 21.9
1.18 mm (No. 16) — 17.7
0.60 mm (No. 30) — 15.7
0.30 mm (No. 50) — 14.8
0.075 mm (No. 200) 8.0 to 11.0 10.1
a
Does not meet the applicable requirements.

X1.17. Based on Table X1.7, the blended gradation did not meet the specified gradation band for a 19.0-
mm (3/4-in.) nominal-maximum aggregate size SMA. Therefore, different blending percentages for
the various aggregates are needed. Table X1.8 shows the percentages of the four aggregates used
for the second trial.

Table X1.8—Percentages of the Four Aggregates

Used for the Second Trial
Percent of Blend
Stockpile by Mass
Aggregate A 40
Aggregate B 41
Aggregate C 10
Mineral filler 9

X1.18. Table X1.9 presents the blending of the four aggregates for the second trial. The second trial blend
percentages were used along with the values from Table X1.3 to determine the percent passing, by
volume, for the blend.

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Table X1.9—Percents Passing Based on Volumes for the Second Trial
Percent Retained Cumulative Percent Passing
on Each Sieve Percent Retained Percent Passing by Mass (for Gradation Band
Sieve by Volume by Volume by Volume Comparison) by Volume
19.0 mm (3/4 in.) 0.0 0.0 100.0 100.0 90 to 100
12.5 mm (1/2 in.) 25.6 25.6 74.4 74.3 50 to 88
9.5 mm (3/8 in.) 20.5 46.1 53.9 53.5 25 to 60
4.75 mm (No. 4) 33.2 79.3 20.7 20.0 20 to 28
2.36 mm (No. 8) 4.5 83.8 16.2 15.4 16 to 24
1.18 mm (No. 16) 2.3 86.1 13.9 13.1 —
0.60 mm (No. 30) 1.0 87.1 12.9 12.1 —
0.30 mm (No. 50) 0.3 87.4 12.6 11.8 —
0.075 mm (No. 200) 4.0 91.4 8.6 8.0 8.0 to 11.0
–0.075 mm (No. 200) 8.6 100.0 — — —

X1.19. Based on Table X1.9, the following percentages in Table X1.10 produce a gradation, based on
volume, that satisfies the 19.0-mm (3/4-in.) nominal-maximum aggregate size gradation band
for SMA.

Table X1.10—Acceptable Blend of the Four Aggregates

Stockpile Percent of Blend by Mass
Aggregate A 40
Aggregate B 41
Aggregate C 10
Mineral filler 9

X2. ADJUSTMENT OF MINIMUM BINDER CONTENT BASED ON BULK

SPECIFIC GRAVITY (GSB) OF THE COMBINED AGGREGATES

Table X2.1—Guide to Adjust Minimum Binder Content Based

on Varying Gsb of Combined Aggregates
Combined Aggregate, Gsb Minimum Binder Content, %
2.40 6.8
2.45 6.7
2.50 6.6
2.55 6.5
2.60 6.3
2.65 6.2
2.70 6.1
2.75 6.0
2.80 5.9
2.85 5.8
2.90 5.7
2.95 5.6
3.00 5.5

TS-2d R 46-12 AASHTO