ForConstructionPros.com

EZ-Lime offers a marked improvement over powdered hydrated lime used in asphalt cement pavements. It addresses several issues that have been obstacles in the past for the ease of use and health concerns of hydrated lime in asphalt.

Traditionally, hydrated lime has been used in treating HMA ingredients in order to improve the long-term interactions or bonds between the asphalt cement and aggregate. Such improvements have included anti-strip characteristics and reduced deformation or softening of the asphalt pavement over time.

These improvements have been obtained by either combining the hydrated lime with the aggregate or with the asphalt cement before the aggregate and asphalt cement have been prepared into hot mix asphalt. Independent laboratory tests have proven that lime improves the physical characteristics of the asphalt pavement by inhibiting any absorbed water from softening the pavement, and/or by enhancing the physical interface and bonding between the aggregates and the asphalt cement.

Hydrated lime is sold in a powder form, and includes particulates that, if sound field practices are not followed, can become airborne and can be breathed into a person's lungs. It is possible for people working directly with the lime mixing process, as well as those in surrounding areas to be exposed to the airborne particulates that travel throughout a processing or construction site.

In part, this is because the hydrated lime particles can become airborne during transportation, loading, unloading, and while being used in the manufacturing process. As with any dust or particulate matter, inhalation of these particles can cause irritation or other health problems.