Advanced Characterization of Asphalt and Concrete Materials

GSP 255 ASCE 2014

Mechanical response of asphalt mixtures modified with natural wax

Oscar J. Reyes-Ortiz1, Luis G. Fuentes2, Allex E. Alvarez3.
1

Professor - Nueva Granada Military University. Cra 11 # 101-80. Bogot-Colombia.

oscar.reyes@unimilitar.edu.co
2
Assistant Professor University of the North. Km 5 Va Puerto Colombia. Barranquilla Colombia.
lfuentes@uninorte.edu.co
3
Associate Professor - University of Magdalena. Cra 32 # 22-08. Santa Marta Colombia.
allexalvarez@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT: The main objective of the research was to modify Colombian asphalts
with natural waxes to produce warm mix asphalt and determine their mechanical and
dynamic properties. The mixtures evaluated correspond to the md-10 and md-12
gradation curves, as defined in the specifications of the Urban Development Institute
(IDU) of Bogota. The first step of the research comprised the materials
characterization (i.e., granular aggregate, asphalt, and natural waxes), and the
determination of the wax and asphalt optimal percentages to be added to the mixes.
Afterwards, the warm mix asphalt mixtures were prepared and compacted at different
temperature levels (i.e., 110, 130, and 150 C) to evaluate the effect of modified
asphalt in their mechanical and dynamic response. The resilient moduli (RM), the
preserved strength, and the indirect tensile strength (ITS) tests were used to determine
the asphalt mixture properties. The results showed that the use of natural waxes
reduces the asphalt viscosity and, therefore, decreases the mixtures production and
compaction temperatures, which significantly reduces the energy consumption during
the production process. Finally, based on the test results, the mechanical and dynamic
properties of the modified asphalt mixtures with waxes are similar to those of
conventional mixtures, which allows for establishing their feasibility for
implementation and practical use.
INTRODUCTION
Hot mix asphalt (HMA) is produced in a manufacturing process that requires high
temperatures (150C - 180C) for its preparation and subsequent compaction. These
high temperatures are needed to evaporate water contained in the granular material
and to create a suitable viscosity in the asphalt, providing sufficient workability to
place and compact the mix (Bahia et al, 2001). This process leads to a large
consumption of fossil fuels, which is reflected in the increase of manufacturing costs,
and high levels of pollutants emission to the atmosphere such as polycyclic aromatic
hydrocarbons (PAHs), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and carbon
dioxide (CO2). Given these conditions, the asphalt industry has undertaken actions to
mitigate the adverse effects of the HMA production process, developing and
implementing new alternatives to reduce these negative effects, while maintaining
competitive mechanical and dynamic properties of asphalt mixtures (Perez, 2008).
Warm mix asphalt (WMA) emerges as an alternative to conventional HMA. WMA is
produced and placed at temperatures from 20 C to 60 C lower than those of
conventional HMA. The properties of the mixture also allow for improved workability

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Advanced Characterization of Asphalt and Concrete Materials

GSP 255 ASCE 2014

59

and longer distances of hauling. The temperature reduction does not deteriorate the
mechanical and dynamic properties of the mixture, instead, it provides benefits such as
reduced costs, lower greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption (Figure 1a)
(Reyes et al, 2009). Recent research has evaluated the use of wax additives to produce
WMA, considering that these reduce asphalt viscosity, which allows reducing mixing
temperatures (Figure 1b) (Gil et al, 2009).
MIXTURE TEMPERATURE
0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

160

30

180

200
8
7

25

6
5

15

4
3

10

FUEL (L) / Ton

CO2 / Ton

20

2
5

0
Cold Mixtures

Warm Mixture

(a)

Hot mixtures

(b)

FIG. 1. Comparison of the fuel consumption and CO2 emissions among the cold-,
warm- and hot-mix asphalt (a) and evolution of the viscosity due to temperature
changes for both conventional- and modified-asphalts (b).
Reyes et al. (2009, 2012) evaluated the use of wax additives to reduce the
temperatures production of asphalt mixtures. The main results revealed a reduction of
production temperatures up to 20C as compared to those of conventional HMA.
Gil Redondo (2011) used the dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) and differential
scanning calorimetry (DSC) to evaluate the effect of additives (i.e., slack waxes,
Fischer-Tropsch wax, fatty acid amide wax, and polyethylene wax) on the rheological
and physical properties of asphalt. The outcomes showed that slack waxes reduce the
binder viscosity as the production temperatures decreases, which in turn causes a
decrease on the asphalt stiffness. On the other hand, Fischer-Tropsch wax, fatty acid
amide wax, and polyethylene waxes reduce the production temperature and improve
the mechanical properties of asphalt mixtures (Zelalem et al, 2012). Altogether, the
results indicate that the production temperature can be reduced up to 30 C without
altering the asphalt mixtures mechanical properties.
Muoz Villegas (2010) investigated the use of modified WMA by using sugar cane
wax additives. The research took into account the variation of the wax percentage
(i.e., from 1% to 4%) added to the asphalt and the rotational viscosity test at
temperatures of 100 C, 135 C, and 160 C. Based on the test results, the authors
stated that the optimum percentage of wax is between 1% and 2%, resulting in a
decrease from 5 to 9 C on the mixture production temperature.
Based on the previous studies carried out and on the possibility of reducing production
and compaction temperatures of conventional asphalt mixtures by modifying the

Advanced Characterization of Asphalt and Concrete Materials

GSP 255 ASCE 2014

viscosity of asphalt, this paper presents the experimental results of the modification of
bitumen with natural waxes and their influence on the dynamic and mechanical
behavior of asphalt mixtures corresponding to the md-10 and md-12 specification
curves defined by the Urban Development Institute (IDU) of Bogota.
METHODS AND MATERIALS
The methodology used in the present research is depicted on Figure 2. Optimal asphalt
and wax contents were determined using the conventional Marshall mix design
procedure. Conventional- and modified-asphalt mixtures were prepared at different
temperature levels (110 C, 130 C, and 150 C). In addition, the mechanical
properties of the mixtures were assessed using the indirect tensile strength (ITS) and
the resilient modulus (RM) tests.
Asphalt andwax
selection

Asphalt,aggregate and
wax Characterization

Determination ofasphalt
content

Specimens productions
at110,130and150C

DevelopmentITSandMDtest

Conclusions and
recommendations

FIG. 2. Research methodology

Materials
The aggregates used in the present research corresponded to the md-10 and md-12
specified gradation curves defined by the Urban Development Institute (IDU) as
shown in Figure 3. These materials are used in the construction of pavements in
Bogota, Colombia, constituting a highway network close to 14,000 km/lane of asphalt
pavements (IDU, 2011).

60

Advanced Characterization of Asphalt and Concrete Materials

GSP 255 ASCE 2014

61

100

80

(%) Passing

md12

md10

60

40

20

0
100

10

0,1

0,01

Sieve size (mm)

FIG 3. Md-10 and md-12 gradation plot.

Materials Characterization
Table 1 summarizes the characteristics of the aggregate used for the production of the
asphalt mixtures.
Table 1. Aggregate Characterization (ASTM, 2010)
Test
Coarse aggregate absorption[%]
Coarse aggregate apparent specific gravity
Fine aggregate absorption [%]
Fine aggregate apparent specific gravity
Los Angeles abrasion [%]

Test standard
ASTM C 127
ASTM C 127
ASTM C 128
ASTM C 128
ASTM C 535

Results
3.36
2.38
2.57
2.46
25.60

Table 2 presents the characteristics of the asphalt used to prepare the mixtures. It is to
note that in Colombia the refinement of asphalt materials is developed by Ecopetrol,
which is controlled by the national government (Ecopetrol, 1999). In addition, the
characteristics of the waxes used in this research are presented in Table 3.
Table 2. Asphalt Binder Characterization (ASTM, 2010)
Test
Penetration
Ductility
Viscosity
Softening Point
Ignition Point

Test standard
ASTM D 5-97
ASTM D 113-99
ASTM D 2170-95
ASTM D 36-95
ASTM D 3143-98

Results
62 (1/10mm)
115 cm
1500 poises
43C
220 C and 225 C

Table 3. Wax Characterization (ASTM, 2010)

Characterization
Test
Carnauba wax
Fusion point (C)
ASTM D 127
70-90
Penetration (d mm)
ASTM D -1321
0-2

Soy wax
40-60
0-2

Advanced Characterization of Asphalt and Concrete Materials

GSP 255 ASCE 2014

62

Optimum Wax Content

The modification of the 60/70 penetration-grade-asphalt was carried out by adding
wax between 1 and 5% of dry weight. To identify the optimal wax content, the ideal
viscosity to conduct the aggregate-bitumen mixing process was determined by using
the DSR on samples conditioned at different temperatures. This process led to an
optimal percentage of 5% for carnauba wax and 2% for Soya wax as shown in Figures
4a and 4b, respectively.
500

500

Without wax

Soy wax with 1%

Soy wax with 2%

Soy wax with 5%

300

200

without wax

Carnauba wax 1%

Carnauba wax 2%

Carnauba wax 5%

400
Viscosity (cst)

Viscosity (cst)

400

300

200

100

100

120

125

130

135

Temperature (C)

(a)

140

145

120

125

130
135
Temperature (C)

140

145

(b)

FIG 4. Evolution of viscosity due to temperature changes for asphalt modified

with Soy wax (a) and Carnauba wax (b).
DATA ANALYSIS
Optimum asphalt- and optimum wax-contents were determined by using the
conventional Marshall mix design method. The design reported 6% as the optimum
asphalt content, offering the best response as compared to the control mixtures. By
using the optimum percentages of asphalt and wax addition, samples were produced at
110 C, 130 C, and 150 C to determine their mechanical and dynamic properties and
thus establish the feasibility of its application and use.
Figure 5 shows the ITS test results for the control and modified wax samples under
dry conditions. Figure 6 shows that higher strengths are obtained on the mixtures
prepared at 150C, regardless of particle size and wax type used. However, by
comparing the strength values of the md-12 mixtures, it appears that the highest values
are obtained on the samples modified with carnauba wax, regardless of the production
temperature. On the other hand, the md-10 mixtures exhibit lower values than those
reported for the control-mixtures.

Advanced Characterization of Asphalt and Concrete Materials

GSP 255 ASCE 2014

63

2,00

ITS (MPa)

1,50

1,00

0,50

0,00
100

110

120

130

140

150

160

TemperaturE C
WITHOUT WAX (md10)

SOY WAX (md10)

CARNAUBA WAX(md10)

WITHOUT WAX (md12)

SOY WAX (md12)

CARNAUBA wax (md12)

FIG. 5. ITS test under dry conditions at 15 C for mixtures without wax and with
wax.
Figure 6 shows the ITS test results for both the control- and modified wax-specimens
under wet conditions. Figure 8 shows that md-12 mixtures exhibit the highest values for
the ITS, regardless of the compaction temperature. Furthermore, samples prepared with
Soy wax have the lowest values and, as observed, the strength decreased due to the
increase in temperature.
2,00

ITS (MPa)

1,50

1,00

0,50

0,00
100

110

120

130

140

150

160

Temperature C
WITHOUT (md10)

SOY WAX (md10)

CARNAUBA WAX (md10)

SOY WAX (md12)

CARNAUBA WAX (md12)

WITHOUT WAX (md12)

FIG. 6. ITS test under wet conditions at 15 C for mixtures without wax and with
wax.
Figure 7 illustrates the MR for the md-10 mixture, showing that regardless of
frequency, the mixtures produced at 110C had the higher MR as compared to the
control-mixture for both carnauba-and-soy-wax modified mixtures.

Advanced Characterization of Asphalt and Concrete Materials

GSP 255 ASCE 2014

64

15000

Resilent Moduli (Mpa)

10000

5000

0
0

10

15

20

Frequency (Hz)
WITHOUT WAX-150C
SOYA WAX -130C

SOYA WAX-110C
CARNAUBA WAX -130C

CARNAUBA WAX-110C

FIG. 7. MR test at 15 C for mixtures without wax and with wax.

On the other hand, Figure 8 presents the MR for the md12 mixture. There appears to
be no significant effect on the modified mixture prepared at 110 and 130C with
regard to the unmodified control-mixture.
15000

Resilient Moduli (Mpa)

10000

5000

0
0

10

15

20

Frequency (Hz)
WITHOUT WAX-150
CARNAUBA WAX -110C
CARNAUBA WAX-130C

SOY WAX-110C
SOY WAX -130C

FIG. 8. MR test for mixtures without wax and with wax carried out at 15C.
CONCLUSIONS
Based on the tests carried out for asphalts mixtures modified with wax (i.e., Soy and
Carnauba) at different temperatures (110, 130, and 150C), it was concluded that the
Soy and Carnauba waxesused to modify a 60/70 penetration grade asphaltalter
the viscosity of the asphalt and reduces production and compaction temperatures
around 20 and 40C. These waxes could be used to reduce greenhouse gases and save
fuel in the production process of asphalt mixtures.

Advanced Characterization of Asphalt and Concrete Materials

GSP 255 ASCE 2014

Moreover, the results of the ITS tests showed that asphalt mixturestested in both
dry- and wet-conditionsfabricated with the modified asphalts, exhibited an increase
in strength between 10 and 35% as compared to the unmodified specimens. In
addition, the dynamic response observed in the asphalt mixtures revealed that the waxmodified asphalts (i.e., Carnauba and Soy) manufactured at 110 C and 130C,
increases the resilient moduli between 10 and 30% with regard to the unmodified
mixture. These positive modifications in the mixtures mechanical response can lead to
a reduction in the thickness of the asphalt layers. However, additional testing is still
required to fully validate this plausible design modification.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The authors gratefully thank the support provided by the Nueva Granada Military
University (UMNG) and the Geotechnics Research Group for the laboratory tests
conducted. Thanks are also provided to the Vice-Research Office for the financial
support on the ING-1185 project.
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95, D 36-95, D 3143 98, D 1321. Annual Book of ASTM Standards, West
Conshohocken. 2010.
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Reyes-Ortiz, O., Fuentes, L., and Moreno, O. Comportamiento de mezclas asflticas

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