Evaluation of engineering properties and economic advantages of WMA using local materials

Warm Mix Asphalt (WMA) is a technology applied to reduce mixing and compaction temperatures thereby reduces energy consumption and greenhouse gas production in asphalt industries. In this study, the effects of different Sasobit® contents on WMA is investigated using local materials and asphalt mix specifications in Malaysia. The volumetric analysis and mix design results show that Sasobit® contents has no significant effects on the optimum binder content. Statistical analysis showed that the resilient modulus and indirect tensile strength are highly correlated between Sasobit® contents, aging states, test and mixing temperatures. The samples were mixed and compacted at 150 and 145°C incorporating 1.5 and 3% Sasobit® content, respectively, exhibit higher ITS and resilient modulus compared to control samples. In other words, these mixing and compacting temperatures can contribute to energy savings by as much as 8.2 and 12.0%, respectively. © 2010 Asian Network for Scientific Information.