This project aimed to validate loose mix aging procedures for cracking resistance evaluation of asphalt mixtures in balanced mix design (BMD) with a broad range of field projects covering various mixture components, pavement ages, and climatic conditions. To that end, a two-phase research approach was followed, with Phase I focusing on a literature review, research gap analysis, and development of Phase II work plan. The literature review topics included development and preliminary field validation of existing loose mix aging procedures; the impact of loose mix aging on asphalt binder and mixture properties; and effects of silo storage, mix hauling, mix reheating, specimen storage, and asphalt weathering on asphalt binder and mixture properties. The literature was then critically reviewed to identify research gaps that might hinder the implementation of loose mix aging for cracking resistance evaluation in BMD, including lab-to-field aging correlation, applicability to asphalt mixtures containing additives, selection of laboratory tests and parameters to assess loose mix aging, and implementation of loose mix aging into BMD. Finally, a Phase II work plan was developed to address the knowledge gaps identified through the literature review and research gap analysis, which include two major tasks: 1) further validation of 95°C loose mix aging maps, and 2) conversion of different loose mix aging procedures based on a kinetics aging model.
