Balanced Mix Design: Rutting Performance Tests

This report on balanced mix design and rutting performance tests for asphalt pavements focuses on advancements in airfield reliability and safety through innovative material technologies. The study aimed to establish rutting test protocols and criteria tailored to airfield asphalt mixtures, supporting the FAA's BMD framework. Four rutting tests – APA, HWTT, HT-IDT, and IRT – were evaluated, with a 7±0.5% air void level for consistent specimen preparation. ​Mechanistic-empirical analyses using 3D-Move software refined the APA 250 psi/250 lb test criteria by accounting for aircraft speed, load, and environmental conditions. New thresholds were developed for all rutting tests, validated through field core testing from rutted and non-rutted airfield sections. Implementation plans include pilot projects, long-term monitoring, and industry collaboration to ensure practical adoption of the revised P-401/P-403 specifications. Future work will focus on expanding BMD into production and refining correlations between lab tests and field performance.