How to save up to $2/mix ton with Evotherm in OGFC mixes
Mar 29, 2011
MWV recently funded a study through Clemson University to evaluate the effects of OGFC mixes made using Evotherm warm mix technology. OGFCs save lives. Their ability to drain water off the roadway has been shown to reduce fatalities in rain prone areas by double digits. Like most good things, it comes with some challenges. Raveling is a major issue with OGFCs. Suspect causes include an over oxidized binder (less adhesive and cohesive strengths), lower effective AC content due to absorptive fibers, and poor paving practices resulting from a small compaction window due to the rapidly cooling, inch and quarter open graded PMAC mix. To date, the only real solution to these challenges has been to add stabilizer (PMAC) after stabilizer (fibers) that require the mix to be produced hotter and hotter.
Now fast forward to the age of warm mix asphalt. MWV recently funded a study through Clemson University to evaluate the effects of OGFC mixes made using Evotherm warm mix technology. Mixes made using Evotherm at temperatures 30 C less than HMA control were able to pass the drain down tests without the use of fibers, savings to $2.00 per mix ton. The result is a lower cost mix that is easier to control in the field and will ultimately outlast its HMA control. A win/win/win scenario for Evotherm, the contractor, and the agency. Bottom line – if you are tired of using fibers in your hot mix, let us know or comment on this post. We have the reports available for distribution, some pilot projects coming up, and our Technical Marketing Managers are ready to answer your questions and concerns.
Author: Dean Frailey
