Economic and environmental aspects of warm mix asphalt mixtures: A comparative analysis

Abstract

This paper assessed the impact of five different WMA additives categorized under organic, chemical and foaming-based technologies on the energy requirement and green house gas (GHG) emissions. The maximum bearable cost, corresponding to different additives, was determined to assess the optimal choice of warm mix technologies. Results demonstrated that the addition of WMA additives lowers the heat energy by 3–12% compared to HMA. Although diesel is the most expensive fuel (considered in this study), its use can offset the cost of additives, for some WMA additives, namely: SR0.7, C0.2, C0.35, and R0.4. Calculations indicated that among the various warm mix additives, Sasobit Redux produces least emissions, followed by Aspha-min, Rediset, Sasobit, Cecabase, and viscosity graded binder. It was concluded that the use of WMA technologies can provide possible cost savings, and reduction in GHG emissions. © 2022 Elsevier Ltd