Warm Mix Asphalt Technology Applied at Low Air Temperature in China

ABSTRACT Hot mix asphalt could not be compacted easily during construction at low air temperature because the mixture temperature will decrease sharply. With the characteristics of Evotherm warm mix asphalt technology introduced, the available compaction temperature range could be obtained by testing air voids of Evotherm warm asphalt mixture and HMA at different levels of temperature. Compared to HMA, WMA could prolong the compaction time due to a wider compaction temperature range and be compacted more easily at low air temperature. The AC-13 warm asphalt concrete test road was paved at low air temperature after the laboratory performances of mixture was evaluated. In addition, the temperature vs. time curve of Evotherm warm asphalt mixture was derived theoretically by Pavecool® software in advance. The field temperature vs. time curve was also tested by thermometer at specific position during construction, which can guide the compaction occasion of the Evotherm warm mixture. The field performances of t...