Use of Rejuvenators to Rejuvenate Asphalt Binders in RAP

Abstract

With increased demand and limited aggregate and binder supply, hot mix asphalt (HMA) producers discovered that reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) is a valuable component in HMA. This paper is concerned with the current issue of higher using RAP (Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement) in asphalt mixtures for pavement wearing courses. It describes the effects of application of three types of rejuvenation additives on properties of aged asphalt binders made from a regular RAP. These rejuvenation additives restore the physical and chemical properties of aged binders. In addition, the aged asphalt binder with rejuvenators applied was subjected to a short-term laboratory aging using the RTFOT (Rolling Thin Film Oven Test). This method simulate aging asphalt binder during the manufacturing process and laying. To assess the binder properties, both the standard empirical tests and more advanced functional tests (dynamic shear rheometer and bending beam rheometer) have been performed. Last part of the paper provides an evaluation of the individual rejuvenation additives. Based on the results it can be concluded that a positive change in properties of aged asphalt binder after applying all the three rejuvenators has been proven.