Dense-Graded
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A dense-graded mix is a well-graded HMA mixture intended for general use. When properly designed and constructed, a dense-graded mix is relatively impermeable. Dense-graded mixes are generally referred to by their nominal maximum aggregate size. They can further be classified as either fine-graded or coarse-graded. Fine-graded mixes have more fine and sand sized particles than coarse-graded mixes (see Table 1 for definitions of fine- and coarse-graded mixes).
Purpose
Dense-graded mixes are suitable for all pavement layers and for all traffic conditions. They work well for structural, friction, leveling and patching needs.
Materials
Well-graded aggregate, asphalt binder (with or without modifiers), RAP
Mix Design
Superpave, Marshall or Hveem procedures.
Other Information
Particulars about dense-graded HMA are covered by flexible pavement sections in the rest of this Guide.
| Mixture Nominal Maximum Aggregate Size | Coarse-Graded Mix | Fine-Graded Mix |
|---|---|---|
| 37.5 mm (1.5 inches) | less than 35% passing the 4.75 mm (No. 4 Sieve) | > 35% passing the 4.75 mm (No. 4 Sieve) |
| 25.0 mm (1.0 inch) | less than 40% passing the 4.75 mm (No. 4 Sieve) | > 40% passing the 4.75 mm (No. 4 Sieve) |
| 19.0 mm (0.75 inches) | less than 35% passing the 2.36 mm (No. 8 Sieve) | > 35% passing the 2.36 mm (No. 8 Sieve) |
| 12.5 mm (0.5 inches) | less than 40% passing the 2.36 mm (No. 8 Sieve) | 40% passing the 2.36 mm (No. 8 Sieve) |
| 9.5 mm (0.375 inches) | less than 45% passing the 2.36 mm (No. 8 Sieve) | > 45% passing the 2.36 mm (No. 8 Sieve) |
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Cite this page
APA
Pavement Interactive. (2026, November 1). Dense-Graded. HeadLight. Retrieved [the date you read it], from https://pavementinteractive.org/reference-desk/pavement-types-and-history/pavement-types/dense-graded-hma/
ASCE
Pavement Interactive. (2026). “Dense-Graded.” HeadLight, <https://pavementinteractive.org/reference-desk/pavement-types-and-history/pavement-types/dense-graded-hma/> ([the date you read it]).
BibTeX
@misc{pavint-dense-graded,
author = {{Pavement Interactive}},
title = {Dense-Graded},
year = {2026},
publisher = {HeadLight},
howpublished = {\url{https://pavementinteractive.org/reference-desk/pavement-types-and-history/pavement-types/dense-graded-hma/}},
note = {Accessed [date]}
}