BACKGROUND

Balanced mix design (BMD) of asphalt mixtures is an approach that addresses different modes of distress through performance tests on conditioned specimens that consider mix aging, traffic, climate, and location within the pavement structure. Results of these performance tests are expected to reflect their sensitivity to the variations in mixture constituents and methods of test (herein called mix and test variables). However, limited information is currently available to demonstrate sensitivity of the results of BMD performance tests to these variations.  Research is needed to acquire the necessary information and determine the sensitivity of test results to the variations in mix and test variables. This information should improve applicability of the BMD process and help highway agencies and other organizations with its implementation.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the research is to determine the sensitivity of the results of BMD performance tests to the variations in mix and test variables. 

Accomplishment of the project objective will require at least the following tasks.

TASKS

Task descriptions are intended to provide a framework for conducting the research. The NCHRP is seeking the insights of proposers on how best to achieve the research objective. Proposers are expected to describe research plans that can realistically be accomplished within the constraints of available funds and contract time. Proposals must present the proposers' current thinking in sufficient detail to demonstrate their understanding of the issues and the soundness of their approach to meeting the research objective.

PHASE I

Task 1. Collect and review domestic and foreign literature, research findings, and information relevant to the effects of mix constituents (e.g., recycled material, binder quantity and quality, aggregate type and gradation) and methods of test (i.e., mix and test variables) on BMD test results for laboratory and plant-produced mixtures. This information may be obtained from published and unpublished sources and from public and private organizations.

Task 2. Based on the review performed in Task 1, identify and evaluate mix and test variables that impact BMD test results. Based on this evaluation, identify the mix and test variables recommended for consideration/investigation in Phase II to support the sensitivity evaluation.

Note: Proposals shall include the research team’s current thinking regarding the process for evaluating the mix and test variables and identifying those recommended for consideration in Phase II.

Task 3. Based on the work performed in Task 2, prepare a detailed work plan to be executed in Phases II and III that includes approaches to (1) addressing the recommended mix and test variables and determining the sensitivity of the results of BMD performance tests to their variations and (2) preparing supplementary material to support implementation. The plan shall provide specific information on the different aspects of the proposed work.  

Note: Proposers must include in the proposal a plan that provides detail on the proposer’s current thinking regarding the work anticipated in Phase II for determining the sensitivity of the results of BMD performance tests to the variations of mix and test variables. The work proposed for Task 5 must be divided into subtasks, and proposers must describe in detail the work proposed in each subtask.

Task 4. Prepare an interim report that documents the research performed in Tasks 1 through 3. Following NCHRP review of the interim report, the research team will be required to make a presentation to the NCHRP project panel. Work on Phase II of the project will not begin until the interim report is approved and the Phase II work plan is authorized by the NCHRP. The decision on proceeding with Phase II will be based on the contractor’s documented justification of the updated work plan.

Note: The contractor shall submit the Phase I interim report within 6 months of contract award and meet with the NCHRP within 1 month of report submission. The meeting is expected to be in person and held in Washington, DC. The NCHRP will host the meeting and be responsible for any panel member costs to attend meeting.

PHASE II

Task 5. Execute the Phase II work plan approved in Task 4. Based on the results of this work (1) detrmine the senitivity of the results of BMD performance tests to the variations of mix and test variables, (2) recommend means for using the research findings to facilitate implementation of the BMD process, and (3) prepare and submit a technical memorandum summarizing the findings of the sensitivity evaluation and the recommendations for facilitating implementation. Following NCHRP review of the technical memorandum, the research team will be required to make a presentation to the NCHRP project panel. Work on Phase III of the project will not begin until the memorandum is reviewed and the Phase III work is authorized by the NCHRP.  

Note: A review meeting that includes a presentation by the research team shall be held within 1 month of submitting the technical memorandum. The meeting is expected to be in person in Washington, DC. The NCHRP will host the meeting and be responsible for any panel member costs to attend. Proposals shall provide the estimated time for preparing and submitting the technical memorandum.

PHASE III

Task 6. Review and consider the comments on the technical memorandum and prepare a draft report documenting the research performed in the project.

Task 7. Prepare presentation material, in a PowerPoint or other format, for use in webinars and presentations to facilitate use of the research findings. T

Task 8. Prepare a stand-alone technical memorandum titled “Implementation of Research Findings and Products” (see Special Note J) to facilitate implementation of the research findings.

Task 9. Submit (1) a draft final deliverable that includes (a) a research report documenting the research performed in the project, (b) the presentation material, and (c) the implementation plan and (2) a final deliverable that addresses the review comments.

Note: The contractor shall submit a draft final deliverable within 23 months of contract award. Following receipt of the draft final deliverable, the remaining 3 months shall be for NCHRP review and comment and for research agency preparation of the final deliverable.

SPECIAL NOTES

A. The Information and Instructions for Preparing Proposals for the Transportation Research Board’s Cooperative Research Programs were revised in May 2023. Please take note of the new and revised text which is highlighted in yellow.

B. Proposals must be submitted as a single PDF file with a maximum file size of 10 MB. The PDF must be formatted for standard 8 ½” X 11” paper, and the entire proposal must not exceed 60 pages (according to the page count displayed in the PDF). Proposals that do not meet these requirements will be rejected. For other requirements, refer to chapter V of the instructions.

C. The Information and Instructions for Preparing Proposals for the Transportation Research Board’s Cooperative Research Programs have been modified to include a revised policy and instructions for disclosing Investigator Conflict of Interest. For more information, refer to chapter IV of the instructions. A detailed definition and examples can be found in the CRP Conflict of Interest Policy for Contractors. The proposer recommended by the project panel will be required to submit an Investigator Conflict of Interest and Disclosure Form as a prerequisite for contract negotiations.

D. Proposals will be rejected if any of the proposed research team members work for organizations represented on the project panel. The panel roster for this project can be found at https://www.mytrb.org/OnlineDirectory/Committee/Details/6913. Proposers may not contact panel members directly; this roster is provided solely for the purpose of avoiding potential conflicts of interest.

E. Proprietary Products - If any proprietary products are to be used or tested in the project, please refer to Item 6 in the Information and Instructions for Preparing Proposals.

F. Proposals are evaluated by the NCHRP staff and project panels consisting of individuals collectively knowledgeable in the problem area. The project panel will recommend their first choice proposal considering the following factors: (1) the proposer's demonstrated understanding of the problem; (2) the merit of the proposed research approach and experiment design; (3) the experience, qualifications, and objectivity of the research team in the same or closely related problem area; (4) the plan for ensuring application of results; (5) how the proposer approaches inclusion and diversity in the composition of their team and research approach, including participation by certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprises; and, if relevant, (6) the adequacy of the facilities. A recommendation by the project panel is not a guarantee of a contract. The National Academy of Sciences (NAS - the contracting authority for the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine) will conduct an internal due diligence review and risk assessment of the panel’s recommended proposal before contract negotiations continue.

Note: The proposer's approach to inclusion and diversity as well as participation by Disadvantaged Business Enterprises should be incorporated in Item 11 of the proposal.

G. Copyrights - All data, written materials, computer software, graphic and photographic images, and other information prepared under the contract and the copyrights therein shall be owned by the National Academy of Sciences. The contractor and subcontractors will be able to publish this material for non-commercial purposes, for internal use, or to further academic research or studies with permission from TRB Cooperative Research Programs. The contractor and subcontractors will not be allowed to sell the project material without prior approval by the National Academy of Sciences. By signing a contract with the National Academy of Sciences, contractors accept legal responsibility for any copyright infringement that may exist in work done for TRB. Contractors are therefore responsible for obtaining all necessary permissions for use of copyrighted material in TRB's Cooperative Research Programs publications. For guidance on TRB's policies on using copyrighted material please consult Section 5.4, "Use of Copyrighted Material," in the Procedural Manual for Contractors.

H. The text of the final deliverable is expected to be publication ready when it is submitted. It is strongly recommended that the research team include the expertise of a technical editor as early in the project timeline as possible. See Appendix F of the Procedural Manual for Contractors Conducting Research in the Transportation Research Board’s Cooperative Research Program for technical editing standards expected in final deliverables.

I. Proposals should include a task-by-task breakdown of labor hours for each staff member as shown in Figure 4 in the Information and Instructions for Preparing Proposals. Proposals also should include a breakdown of all costs (e.g., wages, indirect costs, travel, materials, and total) for each task using Figures 5 and 6 in the brochure. Please note that TRB Cooperative Research Program subawards (selected proposers are considered subawards to the National Academy of Sciences, the parent organization of TRB) must comply with 2 CFR 200 – Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards. These requirements include a provision that proposers without a "federally" Negotiated Indirect Costs Rate Agreement (NICRA) shall be subject to a maximum allowable indirect rate of 10% of Modified Total Direct Costs. Modified Total Direct Costs include all salaries and wages, applicable fringe benefits, materials and supplies, services, travel, and up to the first $25,000 of each lower tier subaward and subcontract. Modified Total Direct Costs exclude equipment, capital expenditures, charges for patient care, rental costs, tuition remission, scholarships and fellowships, participant support costs and the portion of each lower tier subaward and subcontract in excess of $25,000.

J. The required technical memorandum titled “Implementation of Research Findings and Products” should (a) provide recommendations on how to best put the research findings/products into practice; (b) identify possible institutions that might take leadership in applying the research findings/products; (c) identify issues affecting potential implementation of the findings/products and recommend possible actions to address these issues; and (d) recommend methods of identifying and measuring the impacts associated with implementation of the findings/products. Implementation of these recommendations is not part of the research project and, if warranted, details of these actions will be developed and implemented in future efforts.

The research team will be expected to provide input to an implementation team consisting of panel members, AASHTO committee members, the NCHRP Implementation Coordinator, and others in order to meet the goals of NCHRP Active Implementation: Moving Research into Practice, available at http://onlinepubs.trb.org/onlinepubs/nchrp/docs/NCHRP_ActiveImplementation.pdf

K. If the team proposes a Principal Investigator who is not an employee of the Prime Contractor, or if the Prime Contractor is proposed to conduct less than 50% of the total effort (by time or budget), then section five of the proposal should include: (1) a justification of why this approach is appropriate, and (2) a description of how the Prime Contractor will ensure adequate communication and coordination with their Subcontractors throughout the project.

L. All budget information should be suitable for printing on 8½″ x 11″ paper. If a budget page cannot fit on a single 8½″ x 11″ page, it should be split over multiple pages. Proposers must use the Excel templates provided in the Information and Instructions for Preparing Proposals for the Transportation Research Board’s Cooperative Research Programs.