Common failure indicators and mechanisms including rutting (in the AC layer) and shoving are typical signs of mix instability and can result in significantly increased road maintenance costs. These methods of failure typically produce safety issues relating to a reduction in the effectiveness of surface drainage and the potential for aqua planing.<\/p>\n
What does the term \u2018instability\u2019 mean in an asphalt mix?<\/strong><\/p>\n Mix instability is a form of failure that results from internal plastic flow of the asphalt and results in deformation under conventional wheel loading (which may not necessarily reflect the performance of the underlying pavement layers or subgrade support)<\/p>\n How is this caused and what are common drivers?<\/strong><\/p>\n The stability of a mix really comes down to confounding factors and the proportion and characteristics of each relevant constituent during the mix design process, including:<\/p>\n The progression of pavement technology and the introduction of mix specifications has significantly reduced the likelihood of poor mix design, however there are instances in which the improper application can produce the same result.<\/p>\n\n