Balanced Mix Design uses performance testing to help engineers design asphalt mixtures that balance resistance to key pavement distresses while supporting innovation, durability and long-term performance.
Balanced Mix Design is an asphalt mix design approach that uses performance tests on appropriately conditioned specimens to evaluate resistance to multiple pavement distresses. It considers factors including aging, traffic, climate and pavement structure.
Durability and cracking concerns have highlighted limitations of traditional volumetric mix design systems. BMD provides a performance-based framework for evaluating resistance to pavement distresses during mix design approval and production acceptance.
BMD allows engineers to evaluate recycled materials, additives and sustainable practices by testing mixtures for resistance to cracking, rutting and moisture damage while helping ensure new approaches continue to meet performance requirements.
BMD helps designers evaluate how changes in materials and mixture components affect both performance and cost, supporting more informed and efficient mix design decisions.
Explore guidance designed to support agencies and industry as they move toward Balanced Mix Design implementation.
View GuideLearn more about NCAT training opportunities focused on Balanced Mix Design concepts, testing and implementation.
View TrainingReview additional Balanced Mix Design guidance and implementation resources developed by the National Asphalt Pavement Association.
View Resource GuideBMD testing programs allow laboratories to compare testing performance and variability across equipment, operators and procedures.
NCAT is conducting an ongoing study to evaluate the effects of lag and dwell time on Balanced Mix Design testing and results.
NCAT Test Track research provides opportunities to connect laboratory mixture testing with long-term field performance.
Top-Down Cracking & Low-Temperature Cracking — NCAT Report 21-03