Cold mix asphalt is, just like hot mix asphalt, a combination of aggregates and cutback or bitumen emulsion, commonly used on low traffic roads or rural roads. Cold mix asphalt is produced by emulsifying the asphalt with water and an emulsifier agent, before mixing it with aggregates, to make the asphalt less viscous so that the mix is easier to work with. The mix could be the one comprising of bitumen emulsion, and virgin aggregates or reclaimed asphalt pavements/milled pavements, though the latter would be cost effective. They are used for repairing potholes as well as worn out flexible pavements. Cold mix asphalt also works along flexible pavements and can be produced, either on-site or at mixing plants.
Benefits of Cold Mix Asphalt:
- Cold mix asphalt is economical as compared to hot/warm mix asphalt.
- No special high tech machinery required as the standard paving equipment can be used for paving.
- As it doesn’t need to be heated like the hot/warm mix asphalt, it eliminates the emissions.
- This also reduces the carbon footprint left behind after the process.