Economic and environmental impact study of warm mix asphalt compared to hot mix asphalt

Abstract

For more than two decades warm mix asphalt has been the major research challenge for the production of environmentally sustainable asphalt pavements. The primary objective of their implementation is to reduce fuel consumption and pollutant emissions in order to improve environmental quality and decrease production costs. However, because the economic and environmental benefits have not always been properly evaluated, these technologies are very far from being explored at their full potential, mainly due to the idea that the additives are expensive. Thus, in this study, in order to assess the potential economic and environmental advantages of the application of these mixtures, a warm high modulus asphalt concrete was produced with a chemical additive and a warm rough asphalt concrete was produced with an organic additive. For both cases, the maximum theoretical cost of additive was evaluated. The results of this study show that the maximum cost obtained ensures that the production of the respective warm mixture is economically advantageous. The corresponding reduction in carbon dioxide emissions was also assessed. Both studied mixtures have shown significant reduction of energy consumption and, consequently, reduction of CO2 emissions. It is possible to conclude that all these environmental benefits could be achieved with economical saves and guaranteeing a good performance of the pavements.