The European Asphalt Pavement Association today launched a position paper on The Use of Warm Mix Asphalt. The paper outlines technologies for producing Warm Mix Asphalt (WMA) at temperatures between 100 and 140°C, while still maintaining the properties and performance of Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA), which is produced at higher temperatures of 140 to 180°C. A typical WMA is applied at around 20-40°C lower than an equivalent HMA.

The position paper highlights the multiple environmental, manufacturing and operational benefits of WMA when compared to HMA.

• Environmental Benefits: Because of the lower production temperature of WMA, less energy is needed to heat the aggregate, which results in lower emissions and less fuel being used.
• Manufacturing and Paving Benefits: Lower asphalt temperatures result in less hardening of the bitumen/binder during manufacture.  Furthermore, the WMA process will lower the amount of dust extraction because the aggregate is heated to a lower temperature.
• Paving Operations Benefits: The use of WMA improves the handling characteristics of asphalt, minimises fumes and odours for the asphalt workers and the public near work sites and creates a cooler, more comfortable working environment.
• Warm Mix Asphalt is reported as a greener, more sustainable alternative to Hot Mix Asphalt and demonstrates the European Asphalt Industry’s keenness to contribute to global carbon reduction and achieve the objectives of the Kyoto Protocol.

To receive a copy of the position paper or find out more about Warm Mix Asphalt, contact Egbert Beuving on beuving@eapa.org or download on-line.