The "warm mix asphalt technology and applications", which is carried out by TÜBİTAK Marmara Research Center Chemistry Institute and the General Directorate of Highways (KGM) Research and Development Department, and which stands out with its cheap and environmentally friendly features, was introduced at a workshop.

Speaking at the workshop held at the TUBITAK Presidency Feza Gürsey Conference Hall, Gökalp Yılmaz, Deputy General Director of Highways, said that with the implementation of warm mix asphalt in Turkey, it is aimed to reduce the energy used in production and thus reduce asphalt production costs. Yılmaz said, "By reducing production costs, an annual gain of 220 million liras will be achieved with 30 percent energy savings. Within the scope of the project, two trial roads were built on the Karapürçek Junction section of the Ankara Ring Highway using two different additives."

Ayberk Özcan, President of Asphalt Contractors Association of Turkey (ASMÜD), stated that warm mix asphalt is a relatively new and important topic for Turkey and said: "When we look at the common characteristics of countries with advanced industry and technologies, we see that there is a close cooperation between universities, public institutions, private sector and relevant non-governmental organizations, and solutions are sought for local and global problems with the contributions of academics and researchers in line with the needs of the industry and administrations."

The project will be completed on September 15

At the workshop, it was reminded that the "Warm Mix Asphalt Trial Road" application was carried out on June 11 at the Karapürçek Junction section of the Ankara Ring Highway. It was emphasized that with this technology, the mixing temperatures at the plant were reduced by 15-35 degrees Celsius to 115-140 degrees Celsius.

Underlining that warm mix asphalt production in the USA increased from 42 million tons in 2010 to approximately 323.5 million tons in 2012, it was reported that total warm mix asphalt production in Europe was 275 million tons in 2012.

Announced to be completed on September 15, the project will provide benefits in terms of reducing maintenance and repair costs of the superstructure, low depreciation costs, reducing carbon dioxide emissions, reducing odor, smoke and PAH emissions to which workers are exposed by 60 percent, environmental pollution and human health, energy, production and implementation costs.

Source: http://www.tubitak.gov.tr/tr/haber/ilik-karisim-asfalt-teknoloji-ve-uygulamalari-calistayi