September 28, 2010
Astec says its Double Barrel Green System reduces the mixing and compaction temperatures of asphalt without sacrificing the quality of the pavement. The new system is considered a warm mix process. However, unlike other warm mix technologies, the process does not require the addition of expensive commercial additives, Astec says. Instead, water is injected into the mix along with the liquid asphalt cement. Water causes the liquid asphalt to foam and expand in volume, yielding a temperature that is about 50 F less than traditional hot mix asphalt.