PURPOSES : Owing to industrial development, the occurrence of continuous environmental damage such as abnormal weather is accelerating because of a rapid increase in carbon emissions. Therefore, various efforts are expended worldwide to realize a low-carbon ecofriendly society. In the construction industry, various efforts have been realized to reduce environmental pollution such as greenhouse gas emissions, for example by introducing eco-friendly materials and reducing industrial waste. In this study, an asphalt pavement technology that can reduce production and construction temperatures by more than 60 °C is developed to reduce the amount of carbon generated in the asphalt industry.
METHODS : The performance of a half-warm asphalt binder developed using thermoplastic elastomers and low-temperature additives was assessed. In addition, the change in the quality of a mixture due to the use of the half-warm asphalt binder was evaluated.
RESULTS : As the amount of thermoplastic elastomer used increases, the performance grade of the asphalt binder increases as well. When 3% or more of the elastomer is incorporated, the target performance grade of the asphalt binder is satisfied. In addition, by incorporating the thermoplastic elastomer and a low-temperature additive, the overall moisture and rutting resistance increased even at relatively low production and compaction temperatures.
CONCLUSIONS : Additional measures to stabilize quality and improve economic feasibility will present a new paradigm for investigations into eco-friendly asphalt concrete pavements.