What factor is essential for measuring the stability of an asphalt mix?

The stability of an asphalt mix is significantly influenced by its density. Density directly correlates with the level of compaction achieved in the mix. A well-compacted asphalt mix will exhibit higher density, leading to enhanced load-bearing capacity, resistance to deformation, and overall durability. High density ensures that the aggregate particles are tightly packed, which reduces air voids in the mix and promotes better performance under traffic loads.

In contrast, factors such as temperature, viscosity, and moisture also play roles in the quality and behavior of asphalt mixes but do not specifically define stability in the same way that density does. Temperature affects the workability and the ability to achieve compaction, viscosity relates to the flow and application characteristics of the binder, and moisture can influence the adhesion between the binder and aggregates but does not directly measure the stability of the mix. Thus, density emerges as the critical factor for assessing and ensuring the stability of asphalt mixes.