Project Overview
Rationale
Asphalt paving operations rely heavily on cleaning agents and release products to prevent asphalt from adhering to truck beds, tools, and paving equipment. Although diesel has traditionally been used for this purpose, its environmental impacts, worker health risks, fire hazards, and potential effects on pavement quality have motivated the need for safer and more sustainable alternatives. This project systematically evaluates commercially available Asphalt Release Agents (ARAs) and Asphalt Cleaners (ACs) using objective criteria related to functionality, cost-effectiveness, safety, and environmental performance. By developing a comprehensive evaluation framework and decision-support dashboard, the project enables transportation agencies and contractors to make informed, data-driven product selection decisions.
Impact
- Reduce worker exposure to hazardous diesel-related health and safety risks during paving operations.
- Promote environmentally responsible construction practices through the adoption of biodegradable and sustainable alternatives.
- Support transportation agencies and contractors in selecting products using objective, quantitative performance metrics.
- Improve consistency and transparency in evaluating Asphalt Release Agents and Asphalt Cleaners across organizations.
- Accelerate industry-wide adoption of safer and more effective paving equipment maintenance practices through an interactive decision-support platform.
Publication List
Technical Report
- Hasanzadeh, S., Velay-Lizancos, M., Chang, W. C., Lopez-Arias, M., & Francioso, V. (2022). “Synthesis Study of Best Practices for Cleaning Tools and Paving Equipment: Asphalt Release Agents (ARAs) and Asphalt Cleaners (ACs)”. Purdue University & INDOT. Joint Transportation Research Program. DOI: 10.5703/1288284317381
Researcher
Woei-Chyi Chang
Collaborators
- Mirian Velay, PhD, Lyles School of Civil and Construction Engineering, Purdue University
Funding Source
