be similar, but the actual number and sizes of horizontal scale, which represents sieve size openings

particles in the mixture are not similar and the
resulting volumetrics in the compacted mixture
will be different.
Field-produced mixtures with significantly
different aggregate specific gravities than those
used in the mix design will also yield different
hot mix volumetric properties. This is one of the
reasons why most specifications require a new mix
design when the source (and characteristics) of any
of the mix ingredients are changed.
3.2.3.1  Plotting gradations
In the early 1960s, the Bureau of Public Roads
(today’s FHWA) introduced a gradation chart (see
Figure 3.7) which is an especially useful tool in
evaluating aggregate gradations. The chart uses a
in inches (millimeters) raised to the 0.45 power,
and a vertical scale that represents percent passing.
An important feature of the 0.45 power chart is the
maximum density line. The maximum density line
plots as a straight line from the maximum aggregate
size to the origin of the chart.
The maximum aggregate size is typically the largest
sieve size through which 100 percent of the aggregate
will pass. The maximum aggregate size is defined
as one sieve size larger than the nominal maximum
aggregate size (NMAS). The NMAS is defined as one
sieve size larger than the first sieve size to retain
more than 10 percent of the aggregate gradation.
The maximum density line was developed for
rounded, uncrushed materials. The maximum
density condition for crushed particles typically

FIGURE 3.7  0.45 Power Chart Showing Several Maximum Density Lines (MDLs) for Various Top Sizes

Maximum Density Lines for Different Top Sizes

100

90

80

70

60
Percent Passing

25mm (1")
50 19.0mm (¾")
12.5mm (½")
40 9.5mm (⅜")
4.75mm (#4)
30

20

10

0
0 0.5 1 1.5 2
4.75mm 2.5 9.5mm312.5mm3.5 19mm4 25mm4.5
Sieve Size

  Chapter 3   Materials Selection and Aggregate Batching  25