Astec demonstrates new warm mix technology

Astec Industries, Inc.

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Astec, Inc. has developed a new process to reduce the mixing and compaction temperatures of asphalt without sacrificing the quality of the resulting pavement. They created a system called Double Barrel Green to make the innovative new mix. The technology is called “green” because it has less impact on the environment than conventional asphalt mixing technology.

The new process is considered a warm mix process. However, unlike other warm mix technologies, this process does not require the addition of expensive commercial additives. Instead, ordinary water is injected into the mix along with the liquid asphalt cement. The injection of water causes the liquid asphalt to foam and expand in volume. The foaming action helps the liquid asphalt coat the aggregate at a temperature that is about 50 degrees F less than traditional hot mix asphalt.

Representatives from the National Center for Asphalt Technology (NCAT) obtained samples during a recent demonstration to conduct future tests, including wheel tracking tests, moisture susceptibility tests and total binder properties.