Short-term and long-term aging effect of the rejuvenation on RAP binder and mixes for sustainable pavement construction

Abstract

• Physical and rheological properties of rejuvenated RAP and virgin binder compared. • Determination of optimum dosage range of the rejuvenator. • Performance evaluation rejuvenated RAP mixes. This investigation analyzes the usefulness of Mahua oil (M-oil) in reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) binder which simulates the short-term and long-term aging behavior of asphalt. As the inclusion of a higher amount of the RAP in the bituminous mix is susceptible to fatigue and thermal cracking, the use of a rejuvenator is a suitable option that can reinstitute the properties of the virgin binder. Different percentages of M-oil such as 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, and 6% added to the short-term and long-term aged binder. Blended rejuvenated binders were evaluated through various physical properties. It was noticed that the inclusion of a rejuvenator increases the penetration, ductility, and flash point and reduces the softening point, and viscosity. Rheological properties conclude that rejuvenating short-term and long-term aged binder is feasible and can be considered an effective way to recycle the RAP binder. Further, rejuvenated (5% and 6% M-oil by weight of aged binder which is the optimum dosage) mixes were prepared with RAP mixture for short-term and long-term aging conditions to study the mechanical properties, i.e., moisture sensitivity and rutting. Finally, it was concluded that 5% M-oil successfully rejuvenated the RAP mixes in long-term aging conditions.