Warm Mix Asphalt Surfacing Performance for Different Aggregate Gradations with Cecabase RT Additive

Abstract

Hot mix asphalt (HMA) surface course normally consists of wearing and binder layers, with different aggregate gradations. Hot mix asphalt (HMA) mixtures are traditionally produced at relatively high temperatures of between 150°C to 180°C. Warm Mix Asphalt (WMA) offers a sustainable solution to the problem by lowering the production temperature and energy requirements. However, to be accepted as an alternative to HMA, the performance of WMA must be comparable or better than HMA. The objective of this research is to investigate the performance of WMA wearing and binder course in terms of stiffness and moisture resistance, using Cecabase RT as warm mix asphalt additive. Different concentrations of Cecabase RT were added to determine the optimum percentage Cecabase RT. Marshall method was used to produce all samples investigated and analysis as carried out on the samples. Stiffness and moisture resistance tests were carried out to measure the performance of the mixes. The stiffness modulus values obtained for WMA mixes are higher than HMA mixes, indicating better stiffness. In addition, all the mixes investigated achieved the required minimum TSR value of 80%. It can be concluded that warm mix asphalt using Cecabase RT is comparable in terms of stiffness and moisture resistance to conventional HMA and could be a sustainable alternative to the conventional HMA mix as it can be produced at lower temperatures.