Abstract Warm mix asphalt (WMA) is a sustainable innovation in road construction that enables bituminous mixtures to be produced and compacted at lower temperatures than traditional hot mix asphalt (HMA). This reduction in temperature significantly decreases greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and other pollutants, supporting global climate change mitigation efforts. WMA technology enhances energy efficiency while maintaining the performance and durability of road surfaces, offering an environmentally responsible alternative for the construction industry. Its adoption reflects a commitment to reducing the carbon footprint of infrastructure projects. These innovations are anchored in three primary techniques, chemical additives, organic additives, and foaming processes, each of which contributes uniquely to reducing energy consumption while improving pavement performance. Extensive research has revealed the multifaceted advantages of WMA. Mechanically, WMA demonstrates exceptional properties, including enhanced resistance to stripping, fatigue, thermal cracking, and rutting, which collectively contribute to the longevity and resilience of asphalt pavements. Environmentally, the reduced energy demands of WMA production not only reduce emissions but also provide an opportunity to integrate recycled materials and industrial byproducts, further reinforcing its eco-friendly credentials. Economically, the lower production temperatures translate into operational cost savings, although a detailed analysis of long-term cost implications is essential to fully understand its financial viability. This review highlights the historical development, material innovations, and advanced techniques underpinning WMA, providing a thorough evaluation of its rheological and fractured properties. This research aims to support the widespread implementation of WMA in pavement applications. This study also emphasized the critical role of life cycle assessment (LCA) in quantifying the sustainability benefits of WMA mixtures. Moreover, the study explores the emerging trends and challenges in the widespread adoption of WMA, emphasizing the need for robust evaluations of its economic, environmental, and safety aspects. Ultimately, WMA technologies represent a pivotal innovation, offering an integrative solution to modernize the road construction industry while addressing pressing environmental concerns.
Thaar Alqahtani (Thu,) studied this question.