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Warm Mix Asphalt

 

What is Warm Mix Asphalt

Warm Mix Asphalt (WMA) is the generic term for any technology (additive or water foaming technique) added to an asphalt mixture that allows the mixing and compaction temperature to be reduced by 20 to 100°F. It allows the mix to remain workable at lower temperatures, and has potential environmental, operational, and performance benefits over traditional hot mix asphalt (HMA).

 

Benefits of Warm Mix Asphalt

Several benefits have been found when using Warm Mix Asphalt:

• Environmental
  • Lower greenhouse gas emissions
  • Lower fuel consumption
  • Reduced exposure of workers to fumes
  • Eliminates the need for fume evacuation equipment on plant and paver

 

• Operational
  • Lower plant wear
  • Longer haul distances
  • Late season paving
  • Better compaction
  • Early site opening
  • More comfortable working conditions for plant and paving crews

 

• Performance
• Reduced binder aging
• More time for mixture compaction
• Cold weather paving
• Can use RAP with WMA
• Less susceptible to low temperature and fatigue cracking
• Eliminates bump at joint when overlaying concrete

 

WMA Reference Documents

The documents below provide referential information as to the definition and usage of Warm Mix Asphalt:

• WMA Guidance Memo
• WMA Frequently Asked Questions
• WMA Position Memo
• WMA MnROAD Brief
• TERRA WMA Fact Sheet
• warmmixasphalt.com

 

WMA Presentations

The documents below provide several years of presentations by researchers about Warm Mix Asphalt:

• Warming up to WMA, Michigan Tech, 2011
• WMA Specification and Policy Document Development in Minnesota, TRB 90th Annual Meeting, 2011
• Introduction to Warm Mix Asphalt, North Dakota Asphalt Conference, 2010
• WMA Performance at MnROAD, MAAPT 57th Annual Asphalt Conference, 2010
• Intelligent Compaction: History, Projects & Analysis; 57th MAAPTH Annual Asphalt Conference , 2010
• WMA at MnROAD- Asphalt Pavers, 53rd Annual Asphalt Contractors' Workshop, 2009
• WMA at MnROAD- Chris Miller Hardrives, 2009
• WMA at MnROAD- Pavement Conference, 2009