Laboratory investigations on the mechanical performances of foamed bitumen mixes using half-warm aggregates

For several years, insofar as environmental criteria have been stricter and stricter, new moderated temperature mixing technologies said warm- or even half-warm under 100°C have appeared. This study, realised in LCPC Nantes within the framework of the partnership between EIFFAGE Travaux Publics and LCPC aimed at determining the influence of the mixing parameters, such as temperature and initial water content of the mix aggregates, on the quality of mixing and the mechanical properties of the half-warm foamed bitumen mixes Compared to the traditional cold foamed bitumen mix and hot mix asphalt both acting as reference materials. It was also a way to better understand of the role of water and its influence on asphalt quality. This study highlights the influence of the increase of the aggregate temperature in order to elaborate mix treated with foam bitumen. This presented coating process allows many benefits: increase of coating quality, compactability and water resistance. As a consequence, mechanical performances are improved