Warm-Mix Asphalt Takes Off
Warm-mix asphalt technologies allow the producers of asphalt pavement material to lower the temperatures at which the material is mixed and placed on the road. Reductions of 50 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit have been documented. Such drastic reductions have the obvious benefits of cutting fuel consumption and decreasing the production of greenhouse gases. In addition, engineering benefits include better compaction on the road, the ability to haul paving mix for longer distances, and extending the paving season by being able to pave at lower temperatures.
The January-February 2012 issue of Asphalt Pavement magazine showcases the latest on warm mix. Read more. 
2nd International Conference on Warm-mix Asphalt
October 11-13, 2011
The 2nd International Conference on Warm-mix Asphalt was held October 11-13, 2011 . This event brought more than 550 attendees from 45 states and 24 countries to St. Louis for two and a half days of plenary sessions, technical presentations, and exhibits. FHWA Deputy Administrator Greg Nadeau and NIOSH Director Dr. John Howard kicked off the proceedings. NAPA Chairman Kim Snyder of Eastern Industries Inc., Pennsylvania, welcomed the attendees. Plenary sessions provided perspectives on warm mix from the U.S., Europe, and South Africa. Forty-five papers were presented in breakout sessions, covering topics ranging from health, environment, and performance to RAP and WMA. With 35 exhibitors, attendees were also able to learn about many of the warm-mix products, processes, and technologies. Following the conference was a plant and paving tour provided by Pace Construction Co. Inc. of St. Louis, the Missouri Asphalt Pavement Association, and the Missouri DOT.
Key takeaways from the conference: warm-mix is the future of asphalt, providing both construction benefits and enhanced working conditions. Implementation is proceeding rapidly in the U.S. and interest in other countries is very keen.
New Edition of Warm-Mix Asphalt: Best Practices
The definitive publication on warm-mix asphalt has been expanded and updated. The 68-page third edition of Warm-Mix Asphalt: Best Practices, published in 2012, presents the state of the practice for warm-mix asphalt. Warm-mix technologies have rapidly developed and evolved, and information is included on 22 processes and products (vs. eight in the first edition). Thirty U.S. states now have specifications for warm mix. The section on best practices for production has been expanded, providing both short- and long-term recommendations to address potential production issues. Data is provided supporting improvements in emissions and working conditions as well as performance. Summaries are also provided of ongoing research. This document is designed to be used by both agency and contractor personnel. Learn more.
