Strategies for Producing Asphalt Mixtures with High RAP Content
Publication: Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering
Volume 31, Issue 11
Abstract
Using reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) in asphalt mixtures has become a common practice to reduce construction costs of asphalt pavements, maintain dwindling natural resources, and improve sustainability. However, utilization of high RAP contents poses technical challenges in terms of asphalt mixture production, compaction, and long-term cracking performance. To meet these challenges, mixture component and/or proportioning adjustments are recommended, such as using a softer virgin binder and/or adding a recycling agent (also called rejuvenator) at a specified dose. In this study, the effect of these adjustments on asphalt mixture stiffness, intermediate- and low-temperature cracking resistance, and rutting resistance at high temperatures was evaluated. The effect of these adjustments on the rheological properties of binder blends was also evaluated. Test results showed that only the mixtures/binder blends with an appropriate dose of recycling agent consistently yielded the best performance after short- and long-term aging conditions.
Get full access to this article
View all available purchase options and get full access to this article.
Acknowledgments
This study was performed under the currently ongoing National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) Project 09-58: The Effects of Recycling Agents on Asphalt Mixtures with High RAS and RAP Binder Ratios. The authors acknowledge Dr. Lorena Garcia Cucalon and Arif Chowdhury (from the Texas A&M Transportation Institute) and Stacy Glidden and John Bartoszek (from Payne and Dolan, Inc.) for their efforts in Wisconsin field activity coordination and development of the crossover temperature analysis. This acknowledgment also extends to Geoffrey Giannone and Kyle Doe from the Texas A&M Transportation Institute for their efforts in the laboratory.
Disclaimer
This paper does not constitute a specification or standard, nor is it intended for design, construction, bidding, contracting, or permit purposes. Any opinions, findings and conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this paper are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of NCHRP.
References
AASHTO. 2002. Standard practice for mixture conditioning of hot mix asphalt. AASHTO R30. Washington, DC: AASHTO.
AASHTO. 2015. Standard method of test for determining the dynamic modulus and flow number for asphalt mixtures using the asphalt mixture performance Tester (AMPT). AASHTO TP 79. Washington, DC: AASHTO.
AASHTO. 2016. Standard method of test for determining the flexural creep stiffness of asphalt mixtures using the bending beam rheometer (BBR). AASHTO TP125. Washington, DC: AASHTO.
AASHTO. 2017. Standard method of test for hamburg wheel-track testing of compacted asphalt mixtures. AASHTO T324. Washington, DC: AASHTO.
AASHTO. 2018. Standard method of test for determining the fracture potential of asphalt mixtures using the flexibility index test (FIT). AASHTO TP 124. Washington, DC: AASHTO.
Abatech Inc. 2011. RHEA. Blooming Glen, PA: Abatech.
Alavi, M. Z., and E. Y. Hajj. 2014. Effect of cooling rate on the thermo-volumetric, thermo-viscoelastic, and fracture properties of asphalt mixtures, 405–416. London: Taylor & Francis.
Alavi, M. Z., E. Y. Hajj, N. Morian, and P. E. Sebaaly. 2013. “Low temperature characterization of asphalt mixtures by measuring visco-elastic properties under thermal loading.” Proc., 10 Int. Symp. on Cold Regions Development, 404–415. Reston, VA: ASCE. https://doi.org/10.1061/9780784412978.040.
Alavi, M. Z., N. Morian, E. Y. Hajj, and P. E. Sebaaly. 2015. “Influence of asphalt binder oxidative aging on critical thermal cracking characteristics of asphalt mixtures.” J. Assoc. Asphalt Paving Technol. 84: 115–142.
Al-Qadi, I. L., H. Ozer, J. Lambros, A. El Khatib, P. Singhvi, T. Khan, J. Rivera-Perez, and B. Doll. 2015. Testing protocols to ensure performance of high asphalt binder replacement mixes using RAP and RAS. Urbana, IL: Illinois Center for Transportation.
Anderson, R. M., G. N. King, D. I. Hanson, and P. B. Blankenship. 2011. “Evaluation of the relationship between asphalt binder properties and non-load related cracking.” J. Assoc. Asphalt Paving Technol. 80: 615–649.
Arámbula-Mercado, E., A. Epps Martin, and F. Kaseer 2018a “Case study on balancing mixtures with high recycled materials contents.” In Proc., Advances in Materials and Pavement Performance Prediction, 239–242. London: Taylor & Francis.
Arámbula-Mercado, E., F. Kaseer, A. Epps Martin, F. Yin, and L. Garcia Cucalon. 2018b. “Evaluation of recycling agent dosage selection and incorporation methods for asphalt mixtures with high RAP and RAS contents.” Constr. Build. Mater. 158 (Jan): 432–442. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2017.10.024.
Arnold, J., B. Behnia, M. McGovern, B. Hill, W. Buttlar, and H. Reis. 2014. “Quantitative evaluation of low-temperature performance of sustainable asphalt pavements containing recycled asphalt shingles (RAS).” Constr. Build. Mater. 58 (May): 1–8. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2014.02.002.
ASTM. 2011. Standard test method for determining the resilient modulus of bituminous mixtures by indirect tension test. ASTM D7369. West Conshohocken, PA: ASTM.
ASTM. 2013. Standard test method for determining fracture energy of asphalt-aggregate mixtures using the disk-shaped compact tension geometry. ASTM D7313. West Conshohocken, PA: ASTM.
ASTM. 2017a. Standard test methods for quantitative extraction of asphalt binder from asphalt mixtures. ASTM D2172/D2172M-17e1. West Conshohocken, PA: ASTM.
ASTM. 2017b. Standard practice or recovery of asphalt from solution using the rotary evaporator. ASTM D5404/D5404M-12. West Conshohocken, PA: ASTM.
ASTM. 2018. New test method for determining thermal cracking properties of asphalt mixtures through measurement of thermally induced stress and strain. ASTM WK60626. West Conshohocken, PA: ASTM.
Carvajal Munoz, J. S., F. Kaseer, E. Arambula, and A. Epps Martin. 2015. “Use of the resilient modulus test to characterize asphalt mixtures with recycled materials and recycling agents.” Transp. Res. Rec. 2506 (1): 45–53. https://doi.org/10.3141/2506-05.
Epps Martin, A., F. Kaseer, E. Arámbula-Mercado, A. Bajaj, J. Daniel, E. Hajj, N. Morian, and C. Ogbo. 2019. “Component materials selection guidelines and evaluation tools for binder blends and mixtures with high recycled materials content and recycling agents.” J. Assoc. Asphalt Paving Technol. 88.
Garcia Cucalon, L., F. Kaseer, E. Arámbula-Mercado, A. Epps Martin, N. Morian, S. Pournoman, and E. Hajj. 2018. “The crossover temperature: Significance and application towards engineering balanced recycled binder blends.” Road Mater. Pavement Des. 20 (6): 1391–1412. https://doi.org/10.1080/14680629.2018.1447504.
Garcia Cucalon, L., G. King, F. Kaseer, E. Arámbula-Mercado, A. Epps Martin, T. Turner, and C. Glover. 2017. “Compatibility of recycled binder blends with recycling agents: Rheological and physicochemical evaluation of rejuvenation and aging processes.” Ind. Eng. Chem. Res. 56 (29): 8375–8384. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.iecr.7b01657.
Glover, C. J., R. R. Davison, C. H. Domke, Y. Ruan, P. Juristyarini, D. B. Knorr, and S. H. Jung. 2005. Development of a new method for assessing asphalt binder durability with field validation. College Station, TX: Texas A&M Transportation Institute.
Hajj, E. Y., M. Z. Alavi, N. E. Morian, and P. E. Sebaaly. 2013. “Effect of select warm-mix additives on thermo-viscoelastic properties of asphalt mixtures.” Road Mater. Pavement Des. 14: 175–186. https://doi.org/10.1080/14680629.2013.774754.
Hansen, K. R., and A. Copeland. 2017. “Annual asphalt pavement industry survey on recycled materials and warm-mix asphalt usage: 2016.” In Proc., 7th Annual Survey, National Asphalt Pavement Association. Washington, DC: Federal Highway Administration.
Hill, B., B. Behnia, W. Buttlar, and H. Reis. 2013. “Evaluation of warm mix asphalt mixtures containing reclaimed asphalt pavement through mechanical performance tests and an acoustic emission approach.” J. Mater. Civ. Eng. 25 (12): 1887–1897. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)MT.1943-5533.0000757.
Illinois Department of Transportation. 2016. Standard specifications for road and bridge construction. Springfield, IL: Division of Highways.
Im, S., F. Zhou, R. Lee, and T. Scullion. 2014. “Impacts of rejuvenators on performance and engineering properties of asphalt mixtures containing recycled materials.” Constr. Build. Mater. 53 (Feb): 596–603. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2013.12.025.
Karki, P., and F. Zhou. 2016. “Effect of rejuvenators on rheological, chemical, and aging properties of asphalt binders containing recycled binders.” Transp. Res. Rec. 2574 (1): 74–82. https://doi.org/10.3141/2574-0810.3141/2574-08.
Kaseer, F., E. Arambula, and A. Epps Martin. 2019a. “A method to quantify reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) binder availability (effective RAP binder) in recycled asphalt mixes.” Transp. Res. Rec. 2673 (1): 205–216. https://doi.org/10.1177/0361198118821366.
Kaseer, F., E. Arámbula-Mercado, L. Garcia Cucalon, and A. Epps Martin. 2018b. “Performance of asphalt mixtures with high recycled materials content and recycling agents.” Int. J. Pavement Eng. 1–15. https://doi.org/10.1080/10298436.2018.1511990.
Kaseer, F., A. Epps Martin, and E. Arámbula-Mercado. 2019b. “Use of recycling agents in asphalt mixtures with high recycled materials contents in the United States: A literature review.” Constr. Build. Mater. 211 (Jun): 974–987. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2019.03.286.
Kaseer, F., L. Garcia Cucalon, E. Arámbula-Mercado, A. Epps Martin, and J. Epps. 2018a. “Practical tools for optimizing recycled materials content and recycling agent dosage for improved short- and long-term performance of rejuvenated binder blends and mixtures.” J. Assoc. Asphalt Paving Technol. 87: 513–555.
Kaseer, F., F. Yin, E. Arámbula-Mercado, and A. Epps Martin. 2017. “Stiffness characterization of asphalt mixtures with high recycled materials contents and recycling agents.” Transp. Res. Rec. 2633 (1): 58–68. https://doi.org/10.3141/2633-08.
Kaseer, F., F. Yin, E. Arámbula-Mercado, A. Epps Martin, J. Daniel, and S. Salari. 2018c. “Development of an index to evaluate the cracking potential of asphalt mixtures using the semi-circular bending test.” Constr. Build. Mater. 167 (Apr): 286–298. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2018.02.014.
McDaniel, R., and R. M. Anderson. 2001. Recommended use of reclaimed asphalt pavement in the Superpave mix design method: Technician’s manual. Washington, DC: National Cooperative Highway Research Program.
Menapace, I., L. Garcia Cucalon, F. Kaseer, E. Arámbula-Mercado, A. Epps Martin, E. Masad, and G. King. 2018. “Effect of recycling agents in recycled asphalt binders observed with microstructural and rheological tests.” Constr. Build. Mater. 158 (Jan): 61–74. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2017.10.017.
Mensching, D. J., J. S. Daniel, T. Bennert, M. S. Medeiros Jr., M. D. Eleaednay, W. Mogawer, E. Y. Hajj, and M. Z. Alavi. 2014. “Low temperature properties of plant-produced RAP mixtures in the northeast.” Supplement, Road Mater. Pavement Des. 15 (S1): 1–27. https://doi.org/10.1080/14680629.2014.926617.
Mensching, D. J., G. M. Rowe, J. S. Daniel, and T. Bennert. 2015. “Exploring low-temperature performance in Black Space.” Supplement, Road Mater. Pavement Des. 16 (S2): 230–253. https://doi.org/10.1080/14680629.2015.1077015.
Mogawer, W. S., A. Booshehrian, S. Vahidi, and A. J. Austerman. 2013. “Evaluating the effect of rejuvenators on the degree of blending and performance of high RAP, RAS, and RAP/RAS mixtures.” Supplement, Road Mater. Pavement Des. 14 (S2): 193–213. https://doi.org/10.1080/14680629.2013.812836.
Morian, N. E., M. Z. Alavi, E. Y. Hajj, and P. E. Sebaaly. 2014. “Evolution of thermo-viscoelastic properties of asphalt mixtures with oxidative aging.” Transp. Res. Rec. 2447 (1): 1–12. https://doi.org/10.3141/2447-01.
Morian, N. E., E. Y. Hajj, S. Pournoman, S. Habbouche, and D. D. Batioja-Alvarez. 2018. “Low temperature behavior of asphalt binders, mortars, and mixtures with high recycled materials content.” J. Assoc. Asphalt Paving Technol. 87: 639–681.
NCAT (National Center for Asphalt Technology). 2014. “How should we express RAP and RAS contents?” Asphalt Technology News. Accessed July 22, 2019. https://eng.auburn.edu/research/centers/ncat/info-pubs/newsletters/atnfall2014.pdf.
Ogbo, C., F. Kaseer, M. Oshone, J. Daniel, and A. Epps Martin. 2019. “Mixture-based rheological evaluation tool for cracking in asphalt pavements.” Supplement, Road Mater. Pavement Des. 20 (S1): S299–S314. https://doi.org/10.1080/14680629.2019.1592010.
Romero, P. 2016. Using the bending beam rheometer for low temperature testing of asphalt mixtures. Salt Lake City: Utah Dept. of Transportation.
Rowe, G. M. 2011. “Prepared discussion for the AAPT paper by Anderson et al.: ‘Evaluation of the relationship between asphalt binder properties and non-load related cracking.” J. Assoc. Asphalt Paving Technol. 80: 649–662.
Shen, J., S. Amirkhanian, and J. A. Miller. 2007. “Effects of rejuvenating agents on Superpave mixtures containing reclaimed asphalt pavement.” J. Mater. Civ. Eng. 19 (5): 376–384. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)0899-1561(2007)19:5(376).
Shen, J., B. Huang, and Y. Hachiya. 2004. “Validation of performance-based method for determining rejuvenator content in HMA.” Int. J. Pavement Eng. 5 (2): 103–109. https://doi.org/10.1080/10298430410001733509.
Shen, J., and Y. Ohne. 2002. “Determining rejuvenator content for recycling reclaimed asphalt pavement by SHRP binder specifications.” Int. J. Pavement Eng. 3 (4): 261–268. https://doi.org/10.1080/1029843021000083685.
Tran, N. H., A. Taylor, and R. Willis. 2012. Effect of rejuvenator on performance properties of HMA mixtures with high RAP and RAS contents. Auburn, AL: National Center for Asphalt Technology.
WisDOT (Wisconsin Department of Transportation). 2017. Standard specifications. Madison, WI: WisDOT.
Yan, J., Z. Zhang, H. Zhu, F. Li, and Q. Liu. 2014. “Experimental study of hot recycled asphalt mixtures with high percentages of reclaimed asphalt pavement and different RAS.” J. Test. Eval. 42 (5): 20130251. https://doi.org/10.1520/JTE20130251.
Yin, F., F. Kaseer, E. Arámbula-Mercado, and A. Epps Martin. 2017. “Characterising the long-term rejuvenating effectiveness of recycling agents on asphalt blends and mixtures with high RAP and RAS contents.” Supplement, Road Mater. Pavement Des. 18 (S4): 273–292. https://doi.org/10.1080/14680629.2017.1389074.
Zaumanis, M., R. Mallick, and R. Frank. 2014. “Determining optimum rejuvenator dose for asphalt recycling based on Superpave performance grade specifications.” Constr. Build. Mater. 69 (Oct): 159–166. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2014.07.035.
Zhou, F., S. Im, S. Hu, D. Newcomb, and T. Scullion. 2017. “Selection and preliminary evaluation of laboratory cracking tests for routine asphalt mix designs.” Supplement, Road Mater. Pavement Des. 18 (S1): 62–86. https://doi.org/10.1080/14680629.2016.1266741.
Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering
Volume 31 • Issue 11 • November 2019
Copyright
©2019 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Nov 13, 2018
Accepted: May 29, 2019
Published online: Aug 23, 2019
Published in print: Nov 1, 2019
Discussion open until: Jan 23, 2020
Authors
Metrics & Citations
Metrics
Citations
Download citation
If you have the appropriate software installed, you can download article citation data to the citation manager of your choice. Simply select your manager software from the list below and click Download.