Using mechanistic–empirical based analysis to evaluate rutting performance thresholds for balanced mix design tests

•Surrogate tests (e.g., APA, IDT HT, and IDEAL RT) matched rankings, aligning with APT evaluations.•AASHTOWare Pavement ME predicts rutting similarly for single/multiple RLPD test temps. Abbreviated calibration saves time and materials.•VDOT BMD spec recommends 8.0 mm APA rut depth for all categories. AASHTOWare predicts no failure (< 6.6 mm) & suggests 8 mm for D & 9.5 mm for A.•IDT HT and AASHTOWare Pavement ME suggest 105 kPa for A mixtures and 120 kPa for D mixtures.•IDEAL RT analysis: A mixture category – threshold RTindex 50. D mixture category – recommended RTindex 60. The balanced mix design (BMD) framework uses laboratory test methods to establish specifications that would ultimately be used for the design and acceptance of asphalt mixtures. Assembling such specifications is vital to optimizing the performance of asphalt mixtures for the distress of concern without violating any other criteria, consequently establishing the much desired “balance.” This research presents a stepwise method towards the establishment of performance test threshold criteria for rutting evaluation only as part of a greater effort that the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is pursuing for the implementation of the BMD framework. Data and discussion of five performance tests addressing rutting performance, along with six representative Virginia mixtures, are presented. AASHTOWare Pavement ME analyses at the material level and project level were utilized to fine-tune observations obtained using the surrogate test methods for rutting evaluation. Potential routes and accompanying challenges towards establishing/refining performance criteria that would prove helpful to the ultimate adoption of BMD specifications were outlined. An example of proposed performance criteria based on the presented data is provided. The proposed performance thresholds for rutting evaluation are intended as indicative; for full development and implementation, further refinement of the values is warranted.