Early experience with the use of warm mix asphalt technology in NSW

This paper documents heavy patching, resurfacing, long haulage and production at lower temperature trials containing standard and polymer modified binders carried out in New South Wales using warm mix asphalt (WMA) technology. The immediate benefit of WMA is in the reduction in energy consumption that would normally be required to heat traditional hot mix asphalt to normal conventional working temperatures. WMA technology may also improve workability and compaction. With the decreased production temperature for WMA comes the additional benefit of reduced emissions from burning fuels, as well as less fumes, odours and lower exposure levels to asphalt contaminants generated at both the plant and the paving site. With improved compactability, improved asphalt durability is expected. (a) For the covering entry of this conference, please see ITRD abstract no. E216180.