Theory 144/Asphalt rutting/Ratio lens
Stability Is Binder Against Aggregate
The claim
Pavement stability is set by the ratio of binder film thickness to aggregate interlock, so too much binder lubricates the skeleton.
01Mechanism
Load transfers through stone contacts; excess binder separates them and the mix deforms.
02Prediction
Stability should peak at an intermediate ratio.
03Refutation
Stability increasing with binder content would remove interlock.