Effects of reclaimed asphalt pavement content and virgin binder grade on properties of plant produced mixtures

Abstract This paper presents the results of a study to evaluate the mixture properties of plant-produced asphalt mixtures containing up to 40% reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP). Five sets of asphalt mixtures were tested to determine their dynamic moduli and low temperature tensile creep compliance and strength. The mixture moduli were analyzed to assess changes in mixture behavior over a range of temperatures (frequencies) and in combination with extracted binder properties to analyze the extent of binder blending in the mix. The low temperature test results were analyzed to predict the critical cracking temperature of the mixtures. The results suggest that, for these materials, up to 25% RAP could be added to the mix with no change in the virgin binder grade without detriment to the low temperature properties of the mix. Keywords: reclaimed asphalt pavementrecyclingdynamic modulus Acknowledgements The cooperation of the contractors who designed, produced and sampled the mixtures tested here is greatly appreciated. Gratitude is also extended to Josh Clark, a technician provided by the Asphalt Pavement Association of Indiana and Milestone Contractors, LP; Andrew Szabat, a Purdue University student; and Kit Peregrine of the Heritage Research Group for their assistance in the laboratory. Disclaimer The contents of this report reflect the views of the authors, who are responsible for the facts and the accuracy of the data presented herein. The contents do not necessarily reflect the official views or policies of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) at the time of publication. This report does not constitute a standard, specification or regulation.