EAPA position paper The use of Warm Mix Asphalt - June 2009
The use of Warm Mix Asphalt
EAPA – Position Paper
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EAPA position paper The use of Warm Mix Asphalt - June 2009
European Asphalt Pavement Association
Rue du Commerce 77
1040 Brussels,
Belgium
www.eapa.org
[email protected]
June 2009
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EAPA position paper The use of Warm Mix Asphalt - June 2009
Summary
Since the mid 1990s a range of techniques has been developed to reduce the mixing and
laying temperatures and energy of manufacture of Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA),
This paper focuses on Warm Mix Asphalt (WMA) technologies for producing asphalt at
temperatures slightly above 100 °C with properties or performance equivalent to that of
conventional HMA.
A typical WMA is applied at a temperature around 20 - 40 °C lower than an equivalent Hot
Mix Asphalt. Less energy is involved and, during the paving operations, the temperature in
the mix is lower, resulting in improved working conditions for the crew.
This document provides the potential users and - producers of WMA with information and it
gives an overview of:
• Techniques available
• Performance of WMA mixes
• Benefits of WMA
• The way European asphalt standards allow the use of WMA
• Summary and recommendations
• References and literature
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EAPA position paper The use of Warm Mix Asphalt - June 2009
List of content Page
Summary 3
1. Introduction 5
2. Techniques to produce WMA 5
• Organic additives to the mix or to the bitumen
• Chemical additives
• Foaming techniques
3. Equivalent performance of WMA 7
4. Benefits of WMA 8
• Environmental benefits
• Manufacturing and paving benefits
• Paving operations benefits
• Economical aspects
5. WMA and European standards 10
6. Procurement 10
7. Summary and recommendations 12
8. References / literature 12
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EAPA position paper The use of Warm Mix Asphalt - June 2009
1. Introduction
The first WMA techniques were developed in the late 1990’s. Additives were trialled in
Germany and in Norway the WAM-Foam process was developed.
Figure 1 shows how WMA fits into the full range of techniques from cold mix through to hot
mix:
Figure 1: Classification by temperature range (Temperatures,
and fuel usage are approximations) [1.]
• Cold mixes: produced with unheated aggregate and bitumen emulsion or foamed
bitumen.
• Half Warm Asphalt: produced with heated aggregate at a mixing temperature (of the mix)
between approximately 70 °C and roughly 100 °C.
• Warm Mix asphalt: produced and mixed at temperatures roughly between 100 and 140 °C.
• Hot Mix Asphalt: produced and mixed at temperatures roughly between 120 and 190 °C.
This paper describes the main WMA techniques that are used and which have an asphalt
production temperature above 100 °C. These mixes have properties and performance which
are equivalent to conventional Hot Mix Asphalt.
2. Techniques to produce WMA
Warm-Mix Asphalt (WMA) technologies operate above 100 oC, so the amount of water
remaining in the mix is very small. Various techniques are used to reduce the effective
viscosity of the binder enabling full coating and subsequent compactability at lower
temperatures,
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EAPA position paper The use of Warm Mix Asphalt - June 2009
The most common techniques are:
• Organic additives
• Chemical additives
• Foaming techniques
Organic additives to the mix or to the bitumen
Different organic additives can be used to lower the viscosity of the binder (bitumen) at
temperatures above about 90°C The type of additive must be selected carefully so that
its melting point is higher than the expected in-service temperatures (otherwise
permanent deformation may occur) and to minimize embrittlement of the asphalt at low
temperatures. The organic additives, usually waxes or fatty amides, can be added either to
the mixture or to the bitumen.
A commonly used additive is a special paraffin wax produced by treating hot coal with
steam in the presence of a catalyst [2.]
Organic additives typically give a temperature reduction of between 20–30 °C.
Chemical additives
Chemical additives do not change the bitumen viscosity. As surfactants they work at the
microscopic interface of the aggregates and the bitumen. They regulate and reduce the
frictional forces at that interface at a range of temperatures, typically between 140 and
85°C. It is therefore possible to mix the bitumen and aggregates and to compact the
mixture at a lower temperature.
Chemical additives can reduce the mix and compaction temperatures by at least 30°C.
Foaming techniques - to initiate a foaming process of the bitumen
A range of foaming techniques is applied to reduce the viscosity of bitumen. Various
means are employed to introduce small amounts of water into the hot bitumen. The water
turns to steam, increases the volume of the bitumen and reduces its viscosity for a short
period until the material has cooled. The foam then collapses and the bitumen behaves as
a normal binder.
The amount of expansion depends on a number of factors, including the amount of water
added and the temperature of the binder [3.].
Two techniques are commonly used for foaming:
• injection foaming nozzles
• minerals
The direct method of foaming is to inject a small controlled amount of water to hot
bitumen via a foaming nozzle. This results in a large but temporary increase in the
effective volume of the binder which facilitates coating at lower temperatures. Some
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EAPA position paper The use of Warm Mix Asphalt - June 2009
vapour remains in the bitumen during compaction reducing effective viscosity and
facilitating compaction. On cooling the binder reverts to normal, as the amount of water
is insignificant. .
This technique can enables a temperature reduction of the asphalt mix of about 20 to
30°C. Figures 2 and 3 show examples of foaming nozzles.
Figures 2: Foaming nozzle [4.] Figures 3: Foaming nozzle [3.]
The WAM-Foam process [5.] is a two stage process where a soft grade of bitumen is used
to initially coat the aggregate, then the filler is added. After this, foamed hard bitumen is
added and mixed resulting in a warm mixture of an intermediate binder grade.
An indirect foaming technique uses a mineral as the source of foaming water.
Hydrophilic minerals from the zeolite family are commonly used. Zeolite is a crystalline
hydrated aluminium silicate that contains about 20 percent of crystalline water, which is
released above 100 deg C. This release of water creates a controlled foaming effect,
which can provide an improved workability for a 6- to 7-hour period, or until the
temperature drops below 100 °C.
In this instance the foaming results in an improved workability of the mix which can
subsequently allow a decrease in the mix temperature by approximately 30°C with
equivalent compaction performance.
3. Equivalent performance of WMA
There is a history of use of WMA going back over more than ten years, from the early sites in
Germany and Norway.
In Germany seven test sections of WMA (and other low temperature techniques) were
constructed between 1998 and 2001. Six of the seven projects were SMA mixes and one was
a dense-graded mix. The BASt monitored these seven test sections. Based on laboratory and
field performance data in all cases, the test sections had the same or better performance than
the HMA control sections [1.].
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EAPA position paper The use of Warm Mix Asphalt - June 2009
The oldest test sections with WAM-Foam in Norway were built in 1999. Also in Norway the
overall conclusion is that the WAM-Foam sections appeared to perform similarly to previous
HMA overlays [1.]It was concluded in [1.] that: based on the laboratory and short-term (3
years or less) field performance data, WMA mixes appear to provide the same performance
as, or better performance, than HMA. Other studies have also showed that the performance
and the in-service characteristics of WMA mixes are equivalent to those of the traditional
mixes, and frequently even better [6.] [7.].
There are believed to be several reasons for this good performance. In particular, as a result of
improved workability, a higher compacted density can be achieved. This higher density
reduces the long-term in-service hardening of the bitumen and also prevents ingress of water.
Lower production temperatures can also decrease the ageing of the bitumen during the
production stage which can additionally improve the thermal and fatigue cracking resistance
of the asphalt.
Workability improvements also have the potential to extend the construction season and the
time available for placement of the asphalt mixture during any given day.
4. Benefits of WMA
In the Kyoto protocol, the ratifying states agreed to lower the emission of greenhouse gases,
which essentially concerns CO2 emissions, to 5% below the 1990 level between the years
2008 and 2012. The European asphalt industry strives to contribute to this and to initiate
measures for emission reduction. Lower mixing and laying temperatures will result in reduced
emissions. There are also positive effects on the working environment during production and
paving.
In this chapter the benefits of using/producing WMA are described with regard to:
• Environmental benefits
• Paving benefits
• Asphalt workers benefits
• Economical benefits
Environmental benefits
Because of the lower production temperature of WMA less fuel is needed to heat the
aggregate. This results in lower emissions. The actual reductions vary based on a number
of factors and should be considered on a case by case basis. Significant reductions are
however reported in the literature:.
Plant stack emissions from WMA production are significantly reduced [1.]. CO2
reductions are in the order of 20 to 40 %. SO2 reductions are in the range of 20 to 35 %.
The reduction of volatile organic compounds (VOC) can be up to 50 % and for carbon
monoxide (CO) by 10 to 30 %.
For nitrous oxides (NOx) the reduction can be as much as 60 to 70 %.
Particulate release reductions vary from 20 to 55 % [1.].
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EAPA position paper The use of Warm Mix Asphalt - June 2009
Actual reductions vary based on a number of factors, such as the fuel used. Technologies
that result in greater temperature reductions are expected to have greater emission
reductions.
Other researchers [6.] have shown similar data as in [1.]: Emissions of greenhouse gases
like CO2, NO2 and SO2 are also reduced in the same proportion as the energy gain,
which is about 25% to 50% according to the processes.
Tests for asphalt aerosols/fumes and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) indicated
significant reductions compared to HMA, with results showing a 30 to 50 percent
reduction [1.]. It should be noted that all of the exposure data for conventional HMA
were below the current acceptable exposure limits.
So, in short:
• The reduction of the production temperature in the WMA processes does lead to
significant reductions of stack emissions;
• The reduced fuel and energy usage gives a reduction of the production of green
house gases and reduces the CO2 / Carbon footprint;
• The lower mixing and paving temperatures help to minimise fumes, emissions, and
odours and a subsequent reduction of workers’ potential for exposure to fugitive
emissions from the plant.
NB – the embodied CO2 “footprint” of additives may potentially outweigh the savings
gained from energy and emissions reductions.
Manufacturing and paving benefits
The use of Warm Mix Asphalt has several advantages, not only for the asphalt mix itself
but also for the paving operations:
Manufacturing benefits:
• Lower asphalt temperatures results in less hardening of the bitumen/binder during
manufacture
• The WMA process will lower the amount of dust extraction because the aggregate
is heated to a lower temperature
• WMA is fully compatible with the use of RAP.
Paving operations benefits
The use of Warm Mix Asphalt improves the handling characteristics of asphalt and
creates a more comfortable (working) environment for the asphalt workers and the public
near work sites:
• WMA can be compacted at a lower temperature than conventional HMA for an
equivalent degree of compaction.
• Alternatively, producing WMA at HMA temperatures will permit an extended time
for haulage and compaction. Therefore more distant sites can be served from each
plant with the same degree of workability, or the period of workability to achieve
the same degree of compaction is extended. Or, a higher degree of compaction can
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EAPA position paper The use of Warm Mix Asphalt - June 2009
be achieved at the same (HMA) temperature. This can additionally extend the
laying season into colder months and/or night working.
• WMA can be used in deep patches where the site is restricted. As the lower
temperature WMA starts with less heat it will therefore cool faster to ambient
temperatures. Therefore, the site can be opened for traffic at an earlier stage.
• The lower mixing and paving temperatures minimises fume and odour emissions
and creates cooler working conditions for the asphalt workers. As a rule of thumb,
the release of fume is reduced by around 50% for each 10degC reduction in
temperature.
• This reduction in emissions of fume and odour also minimises inconvenience to the
public near work sites.
Economical aspects
Cost reductions may arise from:
• Because of the lower production temperature of WMA less fuel is needed to dry
and heat the aggregate.
• Because of the lower production temperature there may be less wear of the asphalt
plant [8.] [9.].
Cost increases may arise from:
• The investment and the depreciation of the plant modification (if needed)
• The costs of the additives (if additives are used).
• Technology licensing costs
Dependent on the interaction of these factors the costs of WMA production should be
expected to be similar to or slightly higher than that of normal hot mix.
5. WMA and European standards
The European Standards for “Bituminous mixtures” (EN 13108-1 to -7) have been in force
since 1st March 2008. These Standards do not preclude the use of Warm Mix Asphalt.
The European Standards include maximum temperatures for particular mixtures, but there
are no minimum temperatures The minimum temperature of the asphalt mix at delivery is
declared by the manufacturer. The standards also contain provisions for dealing with mixtures
containing additives, subject to demonstration of equivalent performance.
Thus, European Standards should not be seen as a barrier to the introduction of WMA.
6. Procurement
Increasing focus on energy use and carbon footprint is likely to stimulate interest in the wider
use of WMA and other energy reducing technologies. It may be appropriate to give some
advantage to low energy/low carbon technologies in the procurement process to encourage
their use. Any “Green” Procurement needs to take a Life Cycle Assessment approach to
ensure that alternative products provide equivalent performance and that the appropriate
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EAPA position paper The use of Warm Mix Asphalt - June 2009
maintenance scenarios are fully assessed. Various transparent and objective models are under
development to assist in this process.
7. Summary and recommendations
In recent years several techniques have become available for producing Warm Mix asphalt.
The most commonly used at this moment are :
• Organic additives
• Chemical additives
• Foaming techniques
These permit the production and paving of asphalt mixes at temperatures which are 20 to 40
°C lower than traditional hot-mix asphalt.
Studies have showed that the performance characteristics of WMA mixes can be at least
equivalent to conventional mixes. This can be achieved because of the often better
workability and hence better compaction which can be achieved.
The lower production temperature also reduces the ageing of the bitumen during the
production stage, which results in an improved thermal and fatigue cracking resistance.
The use of WMA is beneficial with respect to:
• The environment: less energy needed and less emissions
• The paving operations: better workability, extending the construction season and
earlier opening of the road
• Asphalt workers: reduced potential for exposure to fumes and odours and a cooler
working environment
• Economical issues: Less fuel needed.
WMA techniques can be used for most types of asphalt mixtures, including mixtures
traditionally produced at elevated temperatures such as EME2 and Mastic Asphalt as well as
Polymer Modified Asphalts.
New techniques continue to be developed.
Because of the many advantages of WMA, its usage is growing and it is expected that the use
of WMA will become standard practice.
The advantages with regard to the environment, the asphalt workers, the paving operations
and the economical benefits also have to be brought to the attention of the politicians and the
specifiers in road authorities and they have to be convinced of the advantages of the WMA.
In the future more data to support the good performance and the enhanced durability should
be provided, based on the experience of the existing paving projects.
In the future the Carbon Footprint / environmental aspects will become more important and
the use of WMA may prove to be one of the ways to achieve a lower Carbon Footprint. A
good and easy to use LCA-tool to calculate environmental effects will be beneficial during the
tendering process.
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EAPA position paper The use of Warm Mix Asphalt - June 2009
Last but not least, including WMA technologies in local and national specifications will
stimulate the industry to provide society with state-of-the-art solutions regarding ecological
issues.
8. References / literature
[1.] Warm-Mix Asphalt: European Practice; International Technology Scanning Program,
FHWA-PL-08-007, February 2008, FHWA-HPIP, U.S. Department of Transportation,
Washington, DC, USA.
[2.] H. Soenen, T. Tanghe, P. Redelius, J. De Visscher, F. Vervaecke, A. Vanelstraete; A
laboratory study on the use of waxes to reduce paving temperatures, Proceedings of
the 4th Eurasphalt & Eurobitume Congress, Copenhagen 2008; Paper 500-008.
[3.] Jenkins, K. Mix Design Considerations for Cold and Half-Warm Bituminous Mixes
with Emphasis on Foamed Bitumen. Doctoral Dissertation, Stellenbosch University,
2000.
[4.] Astec Double Barrel Green System; www.astecinc.com
[5.] Larsen, O.R., O. Moen, C. Robertus, B.G. Koenders; WAM Foam Asphalt Production at
Lower Operating Temperatures as an Environmental Friendly Alternative to HMA -
Proceedings 3rd Eurasphalt & Eurobitume Congress, Vienna 2004.
[6.] Y. Brosseaud, M. Saint Jacques, Warm asphalt mixes: overview of this new
technology in France, Paper 0309, Transport Research Arena Europe 2008, Ljubljana.
[7.] X. Carbonneau, J.P Henrat, F. Létaudin, Environmentally friendly energy saving
mixes, Proceedings of the 4th Eurasphalt & Eurobitume Congress, Copenhagen 2008;
paper 500-010.
[8.] R. Rühl, Lower temperatures – The best for asphalt, bitumen, environment and health
and safety; Proceedings of the 4th Eurasphalt & Eurobitume Congress, Copenhagen
2008; paper 500-013.
[9.] Y. Edwards; Influence of waxes on polymer modified mastic asphalt performance;
Proceedings of the 4th Eurasphalt & Eurobitume Congress, Copenhagen 2008; paper
401-014.
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