Implementation of Balanced Mix Design Methods in Oregon to Meet Long-Term Performance Goals

Details

• Creators:
  Coleri, Erdem ; Sukhija, Mayank ; Chitnis, Vipul ; Kumar, Vikas ; Baran, Servan
• Corporate Creators:
  Oregon State University. School of Civil and Construction Engineering
• Corporate Contributors:
  Oregon Department of Transportation. Research Section ; United States. Department of Transportation. Federal Highway Administration
• Subject/TRT Terms:
  Balance Mix Design Cost Effectiveness Density Density Profiling System Implementation Laboratory Tests Mix Design Pavement Tests Performance Reclaimed Asphalt Pavements Strategic Planning Tensile Properties Volumetric Mix Design

  More +
• Publication/ Report Number:
  FHWA-OR-RD-26-10
• Resource Type:
  Tech Report
• Geographical Coverage:
  United States
• Edition:
  Final Report
• Corporate Publisher:
  Oregon. Department of Transportation. Research Section
• Abstract:
  This study presents the development and implementation of a Balanced Mix Design (BMD) framework customized for Oregon’s materials, traffic, and climate conditions, aiming to improve asphalt pavement durability, environmental performance, and cost-effectiveness. While traditional volumetric mix designs have been widely adopted, they may sometimes lead to premature cracking failures. To address this, performance tests, specifically the Indirect Tensile Cracking Test (IDT-CT) and Hamburg Wheel Tracking Test (HWTT), were incorporated into the mix design process to establish performance-based thresholds for rutting and cracking. The research involved evaluating multiple IDT-CT testing protocols, ultimately recommending a practical approach balancing accuracy, repeatability, and feasibility. Laboratory investigations identified binder content ranges satisfying the proposed thresholds, which were validated through five pilot construction projects across Oregon. These BMD mixes demonstrated enhanced cracking resistance while maintaining comparable rutting performance relative to traditional volumetric designs. To further assess field performance, a low-cost Accelerated Pavement Testing (APT) system was developed, and one year of field performance monitoring was conducted. Results showed that BMD sections maintained similar rut depths and surface smoothness, indicating strong in-service performance. Additionally, a life cycle assessment (LCA) revealed potential environmental benefits due to reduced maintenance frequency and extended pavement life. The study provides a practical and data-driven framework to support ODOT’s transition toward performance-based specifications, positioning BMD as a robust strategy for building longer-lasting, cost-efficient, and more sustainable asphalt pavements in Oregon.
• Format:
  PDF
• Funding:
  SPR 852
• Collection(s):
  US Transportation Collection
• Main Document Checksum:
  urn:sha-512:49b4e376c2cd929a4f3c2186068a9fd3658b87a18e1b34bba1c9e58399157501c336c98a00db8507711eb16e070a498b3c7a36810820b72910ebec3102174445
• Download URL:
  https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/90544/dot_90544_DS1.pdf
• File Type:
  [PDF - 30.62 MB ]