The role of a surfactant based additive on the production of recycled warm mix asphalts – Less is more

This study assesses the possibility of reducing the costs of warm mix asphalt (WMA) technology, by applying very small quantities of a surfactant based additive (in comparison to other types of WMA additives) to asphalt mixtures with high percentage of reclaimed materials. Using “less” additive, with “less” energy consumption, gas emissions and natural resources depletion, on the production of recycled mixtures with adequate performance, can be a “more” sustainable solution. Performance tests carried out on asphalt mixtures with 50% RAP, in comparison to a conventional mixture, showed a positive effect of the additive on the performance of the mixtures.

► The surfactant based additive used barely change the properties of the binder.
► Significant temperature reduction was obtained with very limited amount of additive.
► No detrimental influence of additive on the water sensitivity of studied mixtures.
► WMA mixtures have shown similar or slightly improved rut resistance performance.
► Stiffness and fatigue resistance performance was not affected by the additive.