Wind Speed Effect on the Time Available for Compaction of Warm Mix Asphalt (WMA)

High demand for new asphalt pavements often requires that paving is to be done in an unfavourable condition such as low air temperatures, high wind speeds, and night construction that will affect the Time Available for Compaction (TAC). In local practice, the asphalt paving compaction control mechanisms quoted from the locally used specifications are normally based on the limits of the delivery and laying completion temperatures. This study was conducted which aim to determine the appropriate TAC of Warm Mix Asphalt (WMA) with the effect of different wind velocity using laboratory tests. It focused on WMA Asphaltic Concrete (AC)14 of mix type for wearing course and AC28 of mix type for binder course. Sample of WMA was prepared in a slab mould instead of typical round mould, which was used to resemble the shape of actual pavement. The different wind velocity was simulated by the fan located at different distance from the sample. The results indicated that the cooling rate of WMA is significantly affected by the wind velocity thus influencing the Time Available for Compaction (TAC), which decrease in average by 10-50% during windy days.