A constant, fixed binder content, exclusively dependent on the size of the maximum particle, D, in an aggregate mix is the most unusual feature of the Dutch method. When designing SMA, the binder content for a given gradation should be taken from the regulations; for example, an SMA 0/11 for heavy-duty traffic should have a binder content of 6.5% (m/m). The quantity of binder remains unaltered; it is to be matched with a proper gradation of the aggregate mix. In other words, in the Dutch method, for a specified SMA 0/11, one has to design an aggregate mix so that it will contain 6.5% of binder with air voids at the level of 5.0% (v/v)[40] [41].
In many countries in the practice of designing asphalt mixtures it used to be said that the optimal amount of binder has been matched with a given aggregate mix. The Dutch method recommends the reverse. One could say that during the design the optimal aggregate mix had been matched with a given quantity of binder.
