Assessment and Statistical Analyses of Rutting, Cracking and Fatigue Resistance of Warm-Mix Asphalt

Warm-mix asphalt (WMA) is produced at lower temperatures than hot-mix asphalt (HMA), suggesting reduced compaction efforts. This study aims to evaluate rutting, cracking, and fatigue resistance of WMA under three compaction efforts (CE: 35, 50, and 75 blows/face) using Kim and Semi-Circular Bending tests to measure deformation strength, fracture energy, flexibility index, and J-integral (fatigue parameter). A 40/50 penetration grade base binder was modified with 5% natural zeolite (NZ) and 5% synthetic zeolite (SZ) by mass to produce natural zeolite-warm mix asphalt (NZWMA) and synthetic zeolite-warm mix asphalt (SZWMA). Seventy-two Marshall-compacted samples underwent statistical analysis to determine optimal CE. Key finding can be listed as follows: NZWMA required 50 blows/face and SZWMA 75 blows/face to meet the minimum 3.2 MPa deformation strength (Kim test) and J-integral ≥ 0.5 (critical strain energy rate); NZWMA at 50 blows saved more time and fuel than SZWMA while satisfying performance criteria; Rutting, cracking, and fatigue resistance exhibited consistent trends with increasing CE for both mixes. The results demonstrate NZWMA's efficiency under moderate compaction, offering practical advantages in asphalt production by balancing performance and energy savings. This study provides insights into optimizing CE for WMA technologies, emphasizing NZWMA's potential for sustainable pavement applications