BACKGROUND

NCHRP Project 09-65, “Capturing Durability of High Recycled Binder Ratio (RBR) Asphalt Mixtures” was initiated to (1) develop a proposed American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) standard practice and associated test methods for designing and evaluating durable asphalt mixtures with high recycled asphalt materials (RAM) content and (2) revise the proposed AASHTO Standard Practice for Characterizing Asphalt Mixtures with High Recycled Materials Contents and Recycling Agents.

The final report for NCHRP Project 09-65 was published as NCHRP Research Report 1130: Capturing the Durability of High Recycled Binder Ratio Asphalt Mixtures. It presents a stepwise approach and strategies for developing durable asphalt mixtures with a high recycled binder ratio (RBR). These strategies were derived from extensive laboratory experiments involving various virgin binders, aggregates, recycled asphalt materials, and additives. The laboratory work was complemented by performance modeling to assess resistance to fatigue loading after aging and moisture conditioning.

To effectively implement the findings of NCHRP Research Report 1130, it is essential to actively disseminate the research results and develop a comprehensive training program. By integrating these findings into a structured training course, practitioners can gain the expertise needed to support adoption and eventual inclusion in standard practice.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this project is to develop and deliver a comprehensive training program for state departments of transportation (DOTs) to ensure the effective adoption and implementation of the research findings from NCHRP Research Report 1130.

RESEARCH PLAN

To achieve the research objective, the research plan must outline well-defined tasks and deliverables, including the following:

1. Implementation Plan: Develop an implementation plan aligned with the NCHRP Active Implementation: Moving Research into Practice requirements. This plan should:

• Identify barriers and drivers influencing the implementation of NCHRP Research Report 1130, including gaps or limitations.
• Collaborate with NCHRP to address these challenges within the available budget.

When formulating the implementation plan, proposers should assess whether the following strategies effectively support the project’s objective. Proposers are encouraged to suggest modifications or alternative approaches as budget constraints allow:

• Verify the guidelines and performance thresholds from NCHRP Research Report 1130 based on the field performance of sections studied in NCHRP Project 09-58, “The Effects of Recycling Agents on Asphalt Mixtures with High RAS and RAP Binder Ratios.”
• Develop a process that state DOTs can use to locally calibrate performance thresholds based on verification results.
• Create and deliver a training course covering:
  • The methodology from NCHRP Project 09-65 for designing durable high-RAM mixtures.
  • The research findings of NCHRP Research Report 1130.
  • The verification results and the process for local calibration of performance thresholds.

The training course should be delivered in a minimum of two in-person events, with 25 participants from state DOTs from all four AASHTO regions. The list of participants will be finalized in consultation with NCHRP.

2. Lessons Learned and Recommendations Report: Prepare a detailed report summarizing key lessons learned and actionable recommendations to promote the widespread adoption of durable high-RAM mixtures, building on the findings of NCHRP Research Report 1130.

3. Research Documentation and Dissemination Plan: Develop a final conduct of research report documenting project results and a dissemination strategy for the materials produced throughout the project.

STATUS: Proposals have been received in response to the RFP. The project panel will meet to select a contractor to perform the work.