**4.1.3 Asphalt preparation**

The mineral aggregates and bituminous material is in proportions by weight. The aggregate is ensured clean and surface dry before mixing. The mixing period is sufficient to produce a uniform mixture in which all aggregate particles are thoroughly coated. Asphalt cement content of mixes is an important physical characteristic and influences the performance life of asphaltic concrete. Too much asphalt cement results in mixture stability problems, while too little asphalt cement results in a mixture that is not durable, (Robert *et al.,* 1996; Gordon 1997).
