PHASE I—Planning Task 1. Collect and review literature relevant to the research objective, including BMD tests, pavement design methods, the influence of asphalt mixture properties on structural pavement design and pavement performance, and the structural requirements of different asphalt layers. The review shall include published and unpublished documentation and research conducted by the NCHRP; the Federal Highway Administration; and other public, private, national, and international organizations. Task 2. Survey state DOTs to document current practices and implementation plans relevant to the timeline and processes for mix design, mix selection, and pavement design, and how these activities tie into project delivery. Task 3. Synthesize the results of the literature review to identify knowledge gaps related to the research objective. These gaps should be addressed in the final product or the recommended future research, as the budget permits. Task 4. Propose the research plan to be executed in Phase II to achieve the project objective. At a minimum, the research plan shall describe the research team’s approach to: Incorporating various asphalt concrete mixture types and layers in the research Determining whether a rational link can be established between material properties and/or performance indicators generated through BMD and other fundamental tests, and PMED Developing guidelines with (a) processes to quantitatively link the material properties and/or performance indicators generated through BMD and other fundamental tests with PMED, (b) case studies and examples, and (c) recommendations for BMD testing procedures and/or PMED Note: The research plan does not need to include field validation. The developed guidelines shall, at a minimum, be compatible with the latest version of AASHTOWare PMED procedures. Task 5. Provide an annotated outline of the proposed guidelines. Task 6. Prepare Interim Report No. 1, which documents the research performed in Tasks 1 through 5, includes a data archiving and sharing plan (see Special Note B), and provides an updated work plan for the remainder of the research. The updated plan must describe the process and rationale for the work proposed for Phases II and III. Interim Report No. 1 shall be submitted no later than 8 months after the contract is awarded. Note: Following a 1-month review of Interim Report No. 1 by the NCHRP, the research team will meet with the project panel to discuss the interim report. Work on Phase II of the project will not begin until authorized by the NCHRP...
