A Study on Field Application and Laboratory Performance Evaluation of Warm Mix Asphalt

PURPOSES : This study evaluated the field applicability and laboratory performance of warm-mix asphalt (WMA) as an alternative technology in asphalt pavement. METHODS : The pilot road using two different types of WMA mixture and one HMA mixture was constructed in Waegwan-Seokjeok road construction site and the mixtures were sampled at the asphalt plant for laboratory testings. The field applicability was assessed in environmental aspects, such as emission, and in aspects of constructibility using the existing equipment and procedure, i.e., thickness and density measurement. The laboratory testings included the moisture susceptibility test by AASHTO T283, dynamic modulus test, triaxial repeated load permanent deformation test, and the fatigue test. RESULTS : The temperatures for production and compaction of WMA were lower than those for HMA and therefore, the noxious gas emission were significantly reduced. The field density of WMA pavements was similar or better than that of HMA pavement. From the laboratory testings, it was found that WMA mixtures exhibit comparable performance to HMA mixture in moisture susceptibility, permanent deformation, and fatigue performance. CONCLUSIONS : With these results, it would be concluded that WMA could replace the existing HMA technology without any significant issue. To support this conclusion, it is necessary to track the long-term performance of WMA in pilot road.