gradation tolerances

[consman]

Assume that there is a given gradation envelop as specification and its tolerances (such as % of aggregate retained on 4,75mm sieve is +-5%). Does that mean that our job mix design should stay inside that envelop, aproaching the outer boundries not more than the tolerance limits or we can stay out of the envelop by that given percentages?

 

[GeoPaveTraffic]

It would normally mean that the envelope is +/- that percent and that the gradation of the material used should be within that envelope. The specifications will also often state that the material used should follow the same general shape as the specified material.