Evaluation of the performance of warm mix asphalt in Washington state

Abstract

Warm mix asphalt (WMA) is a relatively new and emerging technology for the asphalt industry. It offers potential construction and environmental advantages over traditional hot mix asphalt (HMA). However, WMA must perform at least as well as HMA before it can be used extensively. This study evaluates the performance of WMA mixtures and their corresponding HMA control mixtures obtained from various field sites in the state of Washington. Four WMA technologies are examined, including Sasobit^® and three water-foaming technologies, Gencor^®, Aquablack™ and ALmix Water Injection. Performance tests are conducted on the field cores to evaluate and compare the rutting, moisture susceptibility, fatigue and thermal resistance of WMA and HMA, respectively. Also, the extracted binders from the field cores are evaluated. In addition, the early-age field performance of WMA and HMA control pavements are compared.

Keywords:

• warm mix asphalt
• Sasobit^®
• Gencor^®
• Aquablack^TM
• Water Injection
• performance

Acknowledgements

The authors thank WSDOT for financial support and assistance in acquiring field materials and project information.

Additional information

Funding

This project is funded by WSDOT [grant number T4120-21].