Lowering the Asphalt Production Temperature - Foam Asphalt Allows Greener Roads

Abstract

New technologies enable the manufacturing of asphalt at reduced temperatures. As a result The energy consumption per ton of asphalt and the emissions at the road construction site drop significantly. Whilst conventional asphalt is produced at around 170 ° C, the low - temperature processes of today allow production temperatures of around 100 ° C. Various technologies for this are ready for application by road construction industry. Foam bitumen, waxes and other additives, special bitumen or alternative mixing cycles can be suitable for use, depending on the application. Changing the way of asphalt production in an industry takes several years or even decades. In this paper, we will present low temperature asphalt technologies based on the promising technology of foam bitumen and how they are applied in practice.

Asphalt recycling and foam bitumen – a combined approach

“…A direct comparison of on-site compaction of WMA and HMA with 30 % RAP addition showed identical density evolution. Material characteristics were comparable, the Marshall stability and flow of the WMA slightly higher than for HMA [4]. In Sweden different courses with 5 -30 % RAP were paved.…”

“…A wide range of technologies exists to produce WMA: a) bitumen foaming; b) introducing water, chemicals, waxes as lubricant; c) emulsions; or d) changing the mixing sequence. Methods vary widely but the aim of all these technologies is a reduction of the production, paving, and compaction temperature of the asphalt [9], [4]. In this study the focus is on foamed bitumen and the resulting WMA.…”