Opportunities for Conserving Energy in Asphalt Paving Processes

Report No: 79-R19

Published in 1978

About the report:

This report discusses the potential for energy conservation in a number of activities related to the use of asphalt materials in highway construction. It is pointed out that not only should the total energy be considered, but also the category of the energy involved. The categories suggested are (1) embodied energy, (2) transport energy, (3) construction energy, and (4) indirect energy. Transport energy and construction energy have a major direct impact on highway contractors, since such energy consists primarily of the fuel to operate hauling and construction equipment. The indirect and embodied energy categories are important from a national viewpoint, but with respect to highway construction are of concern only to the extent that they affect the cost and availability of materials. Included are discussions of asphalt supply and costs; effects of substituting emulsions for cutbacks; the potential for energy conservation with drum mixing; the potential for conservation with conventional asphalt mixing plants; energy saving through the use of asphalt stabilized aggregates; and energy considerations in recycling asphalt pavements.

Disclaimer Statement:The contents of this report reflect the views of the author(s), who is responsible for the facts and the accuracy of the data presented herein. The contents do not necessarily reflect the official views or policies of the Virginia Department of Transportation, the Commonwealth Transportation Board, or the Federal Highway Administration. This report does not constitute a standard, specification, or regulation. Any inclusion of manufacturer names, trade names, or trademarks is for identification purposes only and is not to be considered an endorsement.

Authors

  •  Woodrow J. Halstead

Last updated: January 26, 2024

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