Authors: Research Scholor Mr. Arun Kumar Pyasi, Assistant Professor Mr. Hariram Sahu
Abstract: The adoption of Warm Mix Asphalt (WMA) offers a sustainable alternative to conventional Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA), especially in developing countries like India where energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness are critical. This study investigates a simplified method of producing WMA using a medium-setting bitumen emulsion and VG 30 binder for Dense Bituminous Macadam (DBM) mixes. Marshall samples were prepared at three different mixing temperatures—110°C, 120°C, and 130°C—with varying bitumen-to-emulsion (B:E) ratios ranging from 50:50 to 100:0. Marshall Stability, flow value, unit weight, air voids, voids in mineral aggregate (VMA), and voids filled with bitumen (VFB) were evaluated to determine the optimum binder content (OBC). The results revealed that a B:E ratio of 70:30 at 120°C provided the highest Marshall Stability value of 11.6 kN with acceptable volumetric parameters, demonstrating the optimal balance between strength and workability. The study confirms that emulsion-based WMA can deliver comparable mechanical properties to HMA while enabling lower production temperatures, making it suitable for Indian climatic and economic conditions.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15876538
