Comparison of laboratory performance of asphalt mixes containing different proportions of RAS and RAP

Abstract

Despite environmental and economic advantages associated with incorporating recycled asphalt shingles (RAS) and reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) in hot-mix asphalt (HMA), concerns focus on fatigue and low-temperature cracking potential of pavements containing RAS and RAP. This study was undertaken to identify the areas in need for research through conducting a national survey among departments of transportation and to evaluate the effects of RAS and RAP on fatigue, low-temperature cracking and stiffness of HMA. National survey results indicated that while the fatigue cracking is the major concern when RAS and/or RAP are used in mixes, no specific test is recommended for fatigue evaluation of these mixes at the mix design stage. It was found that, fatigue life of mixes with a non-polymer-modified binder containing a blend of 5% RAS and 5% RAP led to the maximum increase in fatigue life. However, incorporation of 6% RAS decreased the fatigue life of mixes, when compared with virgin mix. Also, it was found that addition of RAS and/or RAP to asphalt mixes increased their dynamic moduli which may result in a better rutting performance. From creep compliance test results it was concluded that use of RAS and/or RAP may lead to a higher low-temperature cracking potential when compared with the virgin mixes. Findings of this study can be used to develop/update guidelines/special provisions for design of HMA containing RAS and RAP.