Author(s): Miguel Álvarez, Sofia Romano and Lukas Schneider

Abstract: Cold Mix Asphalt (CMA) and Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) are commonly used flexible pavement materials, yet their suitability for low-traffic roads in warm climatic regions remains a subject of practical and economic importance. Warm climates accelerate asphalt aging, influence moisture susceptibility, and intensify rutting potential, thereby affecting pavement durability and lifecycle performance. This research presents a comparative evaluation of CMA and HMA with specific reference to low-traffic road applications in warm environments. The analysis focuses on mechanical performance, construction feasibility, environmental impact, and cost-effectiveness under realistic service conditions. Laboratory-based indicators such as stability, stiffness, moisture resistance, and temperature susceptibility are synthesized with field performance evidence reported in previous studies. CMA demonstrates advantages in terms of lower production energy, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, improved workability at ambient temperatures, and suitability for remote or resource-constrained regions. However, its comparatively lower early strength and higher sensitivity to moisture pose limitations under certain loading and drainage conditions. HMA, in contrast, exhibits superior load-bearing capacity, rutting resistance, and long-term structural integrity, but requires higher production temperatures, greater energy input, and increased construction costs. In warm climates, the performance gap between CMA and HMA narrows due to enhanced curing rates and improved binder activation in CMA layers. For low-traffic roads, where axle loads and traffic repetitions are limited, CMA can provide satisfactory functional performance when properly designed and constructed. This comparative assessment highlights that material selection should be guided by traffic demand, climatic conditions, availability of construction infrastructure, and sustainability objectives. The findings support the hypothesis that CMA is a technically viable and environmentally favorable alternative to HMA for low-traffic roads in warm climates, provided that mix design optimization and adequate moisture control measures are implemented. The research contributes to evidence-based pavement material selection and supports sustainable road development strategies in developing and climate-vulnerable regions.

DOI: 10.22271/27078329.2026.v5.i1a.64

Pages: 19-23 | Views: 76 | Downloads: 32

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