Evaluation Of Emulsion Based Warm Mixes For Paving Applications

Abstract

Warm Mix Asphalt (WMA) technology is recently developed in Europe and is gaining strong interest worldwide. By lowering the viscosity of bitumen binder, WMA technology allows mixing, transporting and gives better workability at lower temperature. Using WMA technology, asphalt mix can be produced which is 30°C to 40°C lower than hot mix asphalt (HMA). Less emission, savings in energy cost, less odor are there because of lower mixing and compaction temperature. Despite the benefits, researches are there to analyze its long-term performance.

This project was carried out to evaluate the suitability of bitumen emulsion as an additive when applied to WMA samples of Stone Matrix Asphalt (SMA) and Dense Bituminous Macadam (DBM) mix as per MORTH specification. The binder content has been varied from 4 % to 7 % by weight of aggregates for both mixes. Cement and stone dust have been used as filler for DBM and SMA mixes respectively. VG 30 grade bitumen has been used as binder for both mixes. The optimum binder content for SMA and DBM mixes were found to be 5.93% and 5.33%.