Sustainable asphalt mixes: Use of additives and recycled materials

Abstract

To respect and conserve the environment, many companies are trying to improve their plants and production processes to reduce contaminant generation. In this regard, asphalt mix industries are also making their contribution to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and benzene during the manufacturing and laying processes of bituminous mixes, as well as reducing waste generation when eliminating aged pavements or manufacturing surplus. In order to achieve this objective, mixes that can be produced and compacted at lower temperatures are becoming increasingly popular to bring about a reduction in gas emissions and obtain improvements in working conditions for employees in contact with them, without losing the mechanical characteristics of the conventional asphalt mixes (manufactured and compacted at 160 °C and 130 °C, respectively). This article summarizes the main techniques currently existing in the manufacture and placement of bituminous mixtures at lower temperatures, as well as the techniques applicable in the reuse of aged pavement, and introduces the use of some methods to assess the choice between different types of mixes, such as analysis of the life cycle and its economic variants.