The transition from hot mix asphalt (HMA) to warm mix asphalt (WMA) is inevitable. Starting January 1, 2025, WMA will be the new standard, replacing many current asphalt products.

However, it is an uncharted territory regarding how to get the best road quality with WMA. Unlike the well-established knowledge of HMA construction, there is a significant lack of understanding about achieving high pavement quality with WMA. The different material characteristics make it hard to transfer knowledge from HMA to WMA. This lack of expertise complicates creating clear plans to minimize construction variability and avoid over-planning.

Addressing this issue is crucial because adapting to the transition to WMA depends on building solid knowledge. This helps contractors meet quality standards, follow new regulations, and support sustainable road construction.

Therefore, we need a planning tool that accounts for WMA's unique properties, to remain effective in future asphalt construction.

To make the planning tool relevant and effective, engaging stakeholders is essential. We are excited to invite you to an upcoming co-design workshop where stakeholders in WMA planning can share their experiences, challenges, and needs. This collaboration will help shape the WMA construction planning tool.

Workshop Theme:

Transitioning from HMA to WMA: Navigating New Challenges and Opportunities through the WMA Construction Planning Tool

Key Topics to be Discussed:

• Identifying the real challenges faced nowadays related to the WMA construction;
• Translating these challenges into their needs and mapping these needs into the functionality of this planning tool;
• Exploring possible solutions for WMA construction planning tools.

This workshop aims to bring together people involved in WMA planning and construction. By sharing experiences and discussing the obstacles faced in WMA construction, we can collaboratively identify the essential features needed in a planning tool that will help optimize the construction process and meet industry demands.

Your participation and input are vital to ensure that the solutions we develop are effective and practical for everyone involved. We look forward to your valuable contributions to this critical discussion.

Date:

July 4th, 2024

We will assume that you will participate offline. If you wish to participate online, please inform us in advance by email.

Time:

10:00 - 17:00 (see agenda below)

Location:

University of Twente - Horst - Z203

Virtual Platform:

Online participation is possible, where Microsoft Teams meeting will be used. The meeting link can be found below:

Join the meeting now

Meeting ID: 388 753 325 062

Passcode: ezvok9

Agenda:

9:30 -10:00: Check-in

10:00 - 10:30: Presentation by Shen

10:30 - 12:15: Stage 1: Discovery: understand the problem and gain insights into the stakeholder's needs

12:15 - 13:00: Lunch break

13:00 - 14:15: Stage 2: Define: create a shared understanding of the challenges

14:15 - 14:30: Coffee break

14:30 - 15:15: Stage 3: Develop: generate multiple solutions regarding WMA construction planning tools

15:15 - 15:30: Coffee break

15:30 - 17:00: Stage 4: Deliver: refine the final solution

If you have any questions or need further information, please do not hesitate to contact Shen (q.shen@utwente.nl) or Seirgei (s.r.miller@utwente.nl).

We look forward to your participation in this important workshop.

Best regards,

Shen