Is cooler better? Examining the case for warm asphalt

摘要

However, a watching brief was recommended, alongside a new performance-based specification for asphalt, to ensure that quality is maintained once the new technology is ready to use. At present, approximately 1 million tonnes of hot mix asphalt is produced in New Zealand every year. Production consumes considerable fuel and energy, and produces substantial greenhouse gas emissions (in particular carbon dioxide). With both these factors currently in the spotlight, locally and internationally, attention has turned to the potential for warm asphalts to be used as an alternative. Warm asphalt has been used overseas since the 1990s. It is produced (and sometimes placed and compacted) at significantly lower temperatures than those typically needed to produce hot mix asphalts (approximately 160℃). Proponents of warm asphalt technologies claim numerous advantages to their use, including.