Documentation of 2024 Balanced Mix Design Implementation

About the project:

VDOT's phased Balanced Mix Design (BMD) implementation effort has culminated in 2024, as the BMD specification is being applied to all SM-9.5 and SM-12.5 A and D surface mixes in maintenance schedule contracts. This is the first statewide application of the specifications and provides an opportunity to document the lessons learned during the implementation experience and determine the need for additional adjustments or improvements to the specification, as well as provide a baseline for future evaluation.

The purpose of this project is to document and assess the first year of full BMD implementation for SM-9.5 and SM-12.5 A and D surface mixes. The effort will compile all information available related to BMD surface mixes constructed for the 2024 Plant Mix Schedules, such as schedule documents, mix design submissions, producer and Department quality assurance data, construction information, and field density data. The experiences of the Department and producers during the first year of full implementation will be documented using surveys, interviews, and data gathered from other meetings. In addition, a white paper on the history of BMD will be developed for future refence. The information and analysis will provide a baseline for future reference and comparison of mixtures and performance. In addition, recommendations and supporting evidence for changes to specifications and practices will be made as needed, based on the results of this work and that of other ongoing projects.

Project Team

Principal Investigators

Other Investigators