Warm-mix asphalt has been called the wave of the future, but what is it? Well, it is actually a generic term for several techniques used to reduce the temperature, by as much as 50 to 100 degrees, at which materials are mixed and placed on the road. This article from WarmMixAsphalt.com seeks to better explain this revolutionary new technology.

This drastic reduction in temperature has not only slashed fuel consumption, but it also reduced the production of greenhouse gasses, improving conditions for workers by cutting down on dangerous emissions. Warm-mix asphalt also allows for better asphalt compaction on the road, the ability to haul paving mix for longer distances, and the extension of the paving season.

But there are still several questions that must be answered before we crown warm-mix asphalt as the king of the road.

• Can warm-mix pavements be opened to traffic quickly after construction?
• What are the performance characteristics of these pavements?
• In the case of technologies developed in other countries, can they be adapted to the U.S., where climate conditions are often more extreme?
• If the production temperature is lower, does that mean that the binder does not age as much?
• Will the potential for thermal cracking be reduced?
• Will the potential for rutting be different?
• Will the contractor have to use a different grade of asphalt binder?
• What changes for the mix design procedure will be required?
• Will the performance-graded binder in a warm mix perform differently from pavements produced at higher temperature?

If you have any questions about warm-mix asphalt, contact PTG Enterprises by calling 443-463-1536 or click here today!