There is growing interest in using performance-related testing within a balanced mix design (BMD) approach. BMD tests are highly sensitive to aging, making appropriate short-term laboratory aging protocols critical. While the use of silo storage is common during production and may significantly affect mixture aging and performance, prior research has not adequately addressed its effects within the context of BMD.

Extended silo storage—varying in duration, temperature, and silo type—can lead to changes such as binder aging, blending variability, and binder drain down. These changes can cause a balanced mix to become unbalanced, reducing consistency and reliability. As agencies move toward performance-based specifications, it is essential to understand how silo storage affects mix properties to ensure production practices do not compromise performance.

The objective of this research is to investigate the impact of silo storage on asphalt mixture properties and consistency using a BMD approach, reassess current short-term aging protocols, and propose practical silo-storage guidelines to protect mix integrity before construction.

Potential research tasks include:

• Conduct a review of current silo storage practices, equipment, and design features affecting mix properties.
• Identify key mixture constituent properties (e.g., aggregates, binders, RAP, additives) to include in the study.
• Provide selection criteria for identifying aging-susceptible mixtures.
• Quantify the impact of silo storage on short-term aging and mix performance.
• Develop silo-storage practice guidelines for use during plant production.
• Recommend revisions to AASHTO R 30 to address silo storage effects on short-term aging.