AAPT WEBINAR SERIES – BALANCED MIX DESIGN FOR ASPHALT MIXTURES - AAPT

Description:

Many asphalt technologists believe that the concept of balanced mix design (BMD) will be a better way to design asphalt mixtures to ensure good performance and allow for innovative solutions. Balanced mix design is defined by the Balanced Mix Design Task Force, a part of FHWA’s Asphalt Mixture Expert Task Group (ETG), as “Asphalt mix design using performance tests on appropriately conditioned specimens that address multiple modes of distress taking into consideration mix aging, traffic, climate, and location within the pavement structure.” AAPT is proud to present a three-part webinar series that will delve into the different aspects of Balanced Mix Design, providing background, BMD frameworks, and implementation examples.

Who should attend:

This webinar series is intended for user agency, asphalt industry, and academia professionals interested in asphalt technology who want a better understanding about the Balanced Mix Design concept and how it may shape the future of asphalt mix design.

Part I: Introduction

In part one, Shane Buchanan of Old Castle Materials and the chair of the Balanced Mix Design Task Force will provide the background on the need for BMD, an update on efforts of the task force, and on-going work related to BMD.

Part II: Balanced Mix Design Framework

In part two, Randy West of the National Center for Asphalt Technology will cover the draft Balanced Mix Design framework from NCHRP 20-07 Task 406 Development of a Framework for Balanced Asphalt Mixture Design. This presentation will include survey feedback, possible approaches to BMD, current gaps and research needs, and suggestions on how to get started with BMD now.

Part III: Implementation

Part three will provide a case study of Balanced Mix Design implementation from Louisiana. This case study session will include perspectives from three aspects. Louay Mohammad of Louisiana State University will cover the development of tests and criteria. Sam Cooper III of the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (LADOTD) will cover how the BMD was put into the LADOTD specifications for mix design and acceptance. A contractor in Louisiana will then discuss the training, purchase of equipment, the impact that BMD has had on mix designs, and the impact it has had on acceptance testing. Part three will close with a summary of lessons learned from the Louisiana DOT implementation.

For more information contact: webmaster@asphaltinstitute.org