Warm Mix: Green Is Cool

摘要

Warm-mix asphalt is generating more avid interest than any other new or imported technology in this industry in recent memory. From coast to coast, dozens of road agencies and contractors are collaborating to do field demonstrations and test warm-mix performance. Virtually all of the demonstrations have been successful thus far. What's more, Europeans have used warm mix for some 10 years with acceptable results. Warm mix typically uses an additive or process that permits mix production at temperatures of 50 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit below standard hot-mix temperatures of 300 to 350 F. Gone are the blue smoke, fumes and odor that may be associated with hot mix. Stack gas emissions are even further reduced. Fuel consumption drops by 11 to 30 percent. Workability is improved, so compaction is easier, even with reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) in the mix.