An intermediate lift of asphalt mix laid between the base and the surface or wearing course, usually a 19 mm or 12.5 mm mix with coarser stone than the surface. It carries load and spreads it into the base, and it gives the surface lift a smooth, uniform platform. The name has nothing to do with asphalt binder as a material, which trips up newcomers reading plan sheets.
Heard on the job
Get the binder course down on the whole job this week, surface course waits till the curb and drainage are done.
Also heard as
- intermediate course
- binder lift
Do not mix it up with
- Asphalt binder: Asphalt binder is the liquid glue in every mix; binder course is a specific layer of finished pavement.