Balanced mix design (BMD) has emerged as a practical approach to optimizing asphalt mixture performance, while mechanistic–empirical (M–E) pavement design has become the standard for structural pavement analysis in many states. However, the two systems currently operate independently—BMD tests are not directly linked to the material properties required for M–E models. This disconnect prevents agencies from leveraging performance-based mixture data to inform structural design, limiting opportunities for optimized, long-lasting pavements.

There is a need to establish direct and practical links between BMD performance test results and M–E pavement design inputs. Doing so will enable agencies to select and proportion mixtures that meet both surface and structural performance needs using a unified, data-driven framework.

The objectives of this research are to identify and recommend BMD test procedures that support M–E structural design and to provide AASHTO guidelines for integrating BMD into pavement design and production workflows.

Potential research tasks include:

• Review existing research and identify gaps in linking asphalt mixture properties to M–E pavement design inputs.
• Evaluate current BMD performance tests for their suitability in structural design applications.
• Develop a lab-based work plan to establish relationships between BMD results and M–E design parameters.
• Execute testing to correlate BMD data with field-representative structural performance under loading and environmental conditions.
• Recommend modifications to BMD protocols and AASHTO test methods for alignment with M–E design.
• Develop guidance for integrating BMD into the M–E design process from planning through production.