Utilizing Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) Materials in New Pavements - A Review

Abstract

Recently, prices of asphalt pavement materials have been increasing tremendously, which led to attempts to find alternative cheap materials. In addition, more concerns are directed to preserving natural resources and reducing environmental impacts of using virgin asphalt binders, thus more attention is focused on the use of recycled materials in pavement designs. Transportation agencies worldwide are incorporating reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) materials in new pavement designs. RAP was used for the first time in 1973, however, with low percentages due to the lack of understanding of its effect on the performance of asphalt mixes. Currently, higher percentages (e.g. >50%) are being utilized to reduce costs and natural resources and make use of demolished old asphalt pavements. The main concern of combining RAP in new asphalt mixes is how it will affect the resistance of these mixes to permanent deformation (rutting), fatigue cracks, and thermal cracks, which are the main distresses that affect the performance of asphalt mixes. Many studies were conducted to evaluate the effects of RAP on asphalt mixes, and all results showed that RAP increased the stiffness of asphalt mixes, thus improving rutting resistance at high temperatures. On the other hand, results were in conflict with regard to fatigue and thermal cracking. Recently, the Department of Public Works and Services at Ras Al Khaimah, UAE started adopting RAP mixes in ongoing projects (e.g. Kadra-Shawka Road) with no clear guidelines, in hope of reducing costs and that these roads would have better performance. To address the concerns of the effects of RAP and to determine the correct RAP percentage for projects in Ras Al Khaimah, this study was initiated and as a first stage, a literature review was conducted and presented in this article.