Design of Warm Mix Asphalt (WMA) Using an Amino-Based Resin

Abstract

Rising energy prices, global warming and environmental awareness, in production of traditional asphalt (Hot Mix Asphalt) have resulted in the innovation of a production technology named Warm Mix Asphalt (WMA) as a mean to decrease the energy consumption and emissions. In this technology, additives work in different ways to either reduce the viscosity of the bitumen or to allow better workability of the mix at lower temperatures. In recent years widespread researches have been done to develop new and economical technologies of WMA production, however, study of Iranian technologies to produce WMA are significantly lacking for using WMA in Iran.

The Objective of this study is to analysis using an amino-based resin in order to produce of WMA. This resin, which is thermoset and produce in Iran, was used as an additive to decrease the viscosity of bitumen. This resin was used amount of 5%, 10% and 15% the weight of bitumen. The materials included one type of bitumen (AC 60-70) and one type of aggregate (Lime stone). Tests included dynamic/shear rheometer, bending beam rheometer, Marshall Test, moisture sensitivity, indirect tensile strength and resilient modulus tests. The results of the experiments indicated that the addition of amino-based resin can decrease the viscosity of bitumen by producing foam. This reduction of viscosity leads to reduce the temperature mix asphalt production as much as 15°C in application of 10% resin. It is also concluded that WMA had acceptable engineering properties.