Mix Design In Plain English
An asphalt mix design is a recipe. It specifies:
- The gradation (mix of aggregate sizes)
- The binder grade (PG rating)
- The binder content (percentage by weight)
- Any additives (RAP, polymers, fibers)
Georgia DOT publishes mix designs for public work. Private mixes follow similar principles.
Common Mix Types
- Surface mix (Type F, 9.5mm): fine gradation, smooth finish, driveways and parking lots
- Intermediate mix (Type B or 12.5mm): medium aggregate, most common commercial lot surface
- Binder mix (Type H, 19mm or 25mm): coarser, used as a lower lift under a surface mix on thicker sections
- Base mix (25mm or 37.5mm): coarsest, used only as a heavy-load base course
Binder Grades In The Southeast
- PG 64-22: standard performance grade for most Middle Georgia work
- PG 67-22: upgraded for higher-load commercial and roadway sections
- PG 76-22 (polymer-modified): premium mix for heavy truck and highway work
Why It Matters
Using a highway binder on a driveway is expensive overkill. Using a driveway mix on an industrial lot is a failure waiting to happen. Ask your contractor which mix is specified — a vague answer means you may not be getting what you are paying for.
What We Do
Quality Paving specifies mixes by project type and load. Load tickets from the hot-mix plant are retained on every job so the customer can verify what was delivered.
Related Services
Explore the services connected to this topic in our Services library. Every job is scoped and priced in writing by the same family-owned team.
Get a Free Estimate
Quality Paving provides estimates throughout Middle Georgia and surrounding communities, subject to project location and scheduling. If you would like an honest assessment of your property, request a free estimate or call (770) 946-5355.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I choose the mix myself?
In most cases the contractor recommends a mix based on load and service. You should absolutely ask what is specified.
Does using RAP save money?
Modestly. Modern mixes with 15-25% RAP perform equivalently to virgin mix at lower cost and environmental impact.
What is 'Superpave'?
A performance-based mix design system used across the industry. Most GA mixes today are Superpave-designed.