ABSTRACT This paper investigates the quasi-static permanent deformation (rutting) behaviour of two idealised bituminous mixtures (sand asphalts). The permanent deformation behaviour is assessed using simplified quasi-static uni-axial and tri-axial laboratory tests performed over a range of temperatures, stress levels and strain rates. The results are compared to results from a standard repeated load laboratory test and a more simulative laboratory scale wheel tracking test performed at different temperatures and load levels. Results from the quasi-static uni-axial testing show that the deformation behaviour of the idealised mixtures follows the same pattern as the deformation behaviour of the bitumen used in the idealised mixtures (previously measured). At high stress levels the response is non-linear with a power law creep exponent of approximately 2.4. At lower stress levels the effective power law exponent decreases and the behaviour becomes more linear. The effect of the aggregate is to reduce the str...