There’s a lot of terms when it comes to asphalt, and you can’t be expected to keep up with all of them. (That’s what we’re here for.)
Many people wonder what warm mix asphalt is - it’s a question we hear often. There are many fancy definitions, but if you want one you can actually understand, try this: warm mix asphalt is a type of technology that allows asphalt to be mixed and placed at lower temperatures than traditional. Special additives help reduce the temperature needed to get asphalt ready to place by lowering the viscosity of the mixture. It can be used in all types of asphalt, including porous.
Now that you know what warm mix asphalt is, why should you be using it? There are many benefits to this material, ranging from cost to environmental friendliness.
Benefits Of Warm Mix Asphalt
Energy Costs
Warm mix asphalt is traditionally used because it requires less energy to make, with some documents showing that energy costs can be lowered 30-60%. As less energy is needed for production, less fuel is also needed.
Environmentally Friendly Option
If you’re trying to get LEED certified, pay attention to this material. Greenhouse gases are lowered, and the use of recyclable materials can be increased during production of warm mix asphalt.
Ease of Use
Warm mix asphalt has a lower viscosity than hot mix asphalt that makes it easier to manipulate and compact. Cooler asphalt also means that it can be hauled a greater distance than conventional hot asphalt mix.
Worker Health
It’s of little surprise that asphalt at a lower temperature is safer for workers to be around, from production at the plant to pouring pavement at projects. Workers also have the advantage of better air quality, no longer breathing in as many fumes.
Extend Paving Season
Warm mix asphalt can be poured in cooler weather, allowing paving to take place even in cooler months. This cooling more slowly in cold weather also gives asphalt workers more time to work with the mix.
Warm mix asphalt is a hot new material, winning awards for ease of use and environmental friendliness. According to the National Asphalt Pavement Association, almost a third of all asphalt produced during the 2013 construction season was produced using warm-mix asphalt technologies. If you’re looking for a safer, easier to use product, warm-mix asphalt may have the benefits you’re searching for.