Influence of different warm mix additives on characteristics of warm mix asphalt

Abstract

The interest in minimising fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions among road specialists is increasing. Thus, methods for reducing asphalt concrete mixing and compaction temperatures by a few tens of degrees Celsius without compromising the long‐term performance has become a topic of significant interest. This study is focused on the analysis of warm mix asphalt (WMA) prepared with locally available materials in order to determine the suitable technology applicable to the specific traffic and climatic conditions of Romania. WMA was prepared using different warm mix additives (organic additives, chemical additive, and synthetic zeolite) at different mixing and compaction temperatures, and bitumen blends with these additives were analysed by carrying out the dynamic shear rheometer test and evaluating the penetration index. In conclusion it was noted that most additives did not lead to a significant change of bitumen`s characteristics, but the organic additive had a big influence on the bitumen`s properties. The characteristics of WMA are very similar to those of HMA. The mixing and compaction temperatures could be reduced by approximately 40 °C when WMA was blended with the additives without compromising the performance of the asphalt mixture, compared to hot mix asphalt.