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QCML Criteria for Warm Mix Asphalt Additives

This criteria was qualified by MassDOT as of the date posted: February 12, 2024

For a Warm Mix Asphalt (WMA) additive to be listed on the Qualified Construction Materials List (QCML), a product must be evaluated by AASHTO Product Evaluation & Audit Solutions (formerly known as NTPEP) and meet the requirements of Subsection M3.01.4 of MassDOT’s Standard Specifications including all Material and Testing Requirements outlined herein.

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Material Properties

Warm Mix Asphalt Additives refer to a variety of additives that allow for the production and placement of asphalt mixes at lower temperatures.

  • The manufacturer of the WMA additive must provide a certification that their product is compatible with polyphosphoric acid modified binders, polymer modified binders, asphalt rubber binders, and anti-stripping agents.
  • No WMA foaming technology which requires the mechanical injection of steam or water into the liquid asphalt will be permitted.
  • The WMA additive shall demonstrate that it can be compacted as a mixture, which utilizes a PG64-28, at an optimum temperature less than 260°F. 

Submittal and Testing Requirements

MassDOT Research & Materials (RMS) shall evaluate the AASHTO Product Evaluation & Audit Solutions Testing data and perform laboratory testing using a MassDOT approved asphalt mixture. The following criteria must be met as part of the product submission: 

  • The AASHTO Product Evaluation & Audit Solutions Testing submission shall show that the product does not use a foaming process.
  • AASHTO Product Evaluation & Audit Solutions Testing testing shall show that the product does not negatively affect: 
    • The performance grade of the asphalt binder. 
    • The mixture’s Tensile Strength Ratio (TSR)
      • The WMA TSR shall not be less than the control TSR.
      • The WMA TSR shall not demonstrate a drop in dry or wet strength greater than 20% from the control TSR. 
    • The mixture’s Hamburg rutting or stripping results.
      • The maximum WMA rut depth shall be less than 12.5 mm. 
      • The WMA stripping inflection point shall not demonstrate a drop greater than 10% from the control.

A manufacturer requesting approval of Warm Mix Asphalt Additives shall furnish to MassDOT RMS the following:

  • AASHTO Product Evaluation & Audit Solutions designation.
  • Manufacturer/supplier shall submit a 1-gallon sample and the Safety Data Sheet with the application to RMS. Send material to:
    • MassDOT Research and Materials
      Attn: Technical Services
      5 Macadam Rd.
      Hopkinton, MA 01748

All submittals shall be certified to be in conformance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Pavement Crack Sealers qualified by MassDOT per the performance criteria shall be considered for placement on the MassDOT QCML.

Product Listing, Expiration, and Re-Approval

Once approved, the WMA additive will be listed on the MassDOT QCML. The product shall remain on the approved list for seven (7) years unless one of the following occurs:

  • If the manufacturer does not have the product reevaluated by AASHTO Product Evaluation & Audit Solutions Testing in accordance with the workplan. 
  • If the product’s technology changes. If the product formulation or technology changes, the manufacturer shall notify MassDOT RMS. 
  • MassDOT RMS determines that the product no longer meets the minimum requirements. 

A written request for re-approval must be submitted to the Department at least 60 days prior to the expiration date for the product to remain on the QCML.

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