01045446

Component

https://doi.org/10.3141/2040-10

http://scholar.google.com...urke&publication_year=2007

Warm-mix asphalt (WMA) describes a range of technologies that seek to lower emissions and reduce energy consumption by lowering the temperature at which asphalt mixtures are produced and placed. Despite these benefits, reduced mixture viscosity may be the most likely reason for widespread adoption of WMA technologies. Hot-mix asphalt (HMA) producers are unlikely to adopt WMA technologies solely to lower emissions, because current environmental regulations and the relatively clean nature of HMA plants make lower emissions unnecessary and unprofitable except in select air pollution areas. Producers are also unlikely to adopt WMA technologies solely to reduce energy consumption, because energy savings are less than the associated costs except in the most expensive energy markets. Reduced viscosity makes the best business case for widespread WMA technology adoption, because this benefit offers cost and risk reduction: it can (a) alleviate compaction problems associated with cool weather, (b) reduce compaction equipment needs at the job site, and (c) lower the risk of poor compaction when working with stiff mixtures. This conclusion is supported by basic economic calculations, a survey of the Icelandic pavement industry showing strong support for WMA technology use to improve cool weather paving, and two projects in Maryland showing the potential for WMA technology use to lower the risk of poor compaction of high reclaimed asphalt-pavement mixtures.

01091297

English

pp 91-99

2007

Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board

9780309113045

Print

Figures (2) ; References (29) ; Tables (4)

Air quality management; Asphalt mixtures; Cold weather; Compaction; Energy consumption; Paving; Technological innovations; Viscosity; Warm mix paving mixtures

Iceland; Maryland

Construction; Energy; Highways; Materials; I31: Bituminous Binders and Materials; I52: Construction of Pavements and Surfacings

PRP, TRIS, TRB, ATRI

Feb 8 2007 7:02PM

• Achieving 4% Air Voids in Real Pavements with Superpave
• Calibration of Nonnuclear Density Gauge Data for Accurate In-Place Density Prediction
• Comparisons of Contractor and State Transportation Agency Quality Assurance Test Results on Mat Density of Hot-Mix Asphalt Concrete: Findings of a Multistate Analysis
• Early Contractor Involvement and Target Pricing in U.S. and UK Highways
• Effect of Performance Warranties on Cost and Quality of Asphalt Pavements
• Forensic Investigation of Debonding in Rich Bottom Pavement
• Framework Model for Determining Incentive and Disincentive Amounts
• Laboratory Evaluation of Alternative Dowel Bars for Use in Portland Cement Concrete Pavement Construction
• Launching of the San Cristobal Bridge
• Quality Assurance of Mix Properties of Hot-Mix Asphalt Concrete: Multistate Analysis Comparing Contractor and State Transportation Agency Test Results
• Range Imaging as Emerging Optical Three-Dimension Measurement Technology
• Roller-Compacted Concrete Shoulder Construction on Interstate Highway in Georgia
• Value of Pavement Smoothness