The Evaluation Method of Particle Clustering Phenomena in RAP

The particle clustering phenomena in reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) particles is one of the most important factors to affect the efficient recycling of asphalt concrete. In this study, the particle composition, clustering degree, crushing properties and clustering stability of RAP were studied by extraction test and cantabro-crushing test. It was found that the particles above 4.75 mm were composed mainly of small particles with a large degree of cluster and poor stability. The coarse particles (>4.75 mm) had a great influence on the variation of 4.75 mm sieve. Quantitative indexes of Percentage Loss rate (PL) and Stability Index (w) were proposed to evaluate the clustering degree and the stability of RAP. It provided a meaningful reference for the comparison of different RAP and the different crushing processes. In addition, the RAP could be divided into three kinds of structures, including weak cluster structure, strong cluster structure and old aggregate. The process of crushing the RAP was divided into three stages, which are weak structure-dominated, strong structure-dominated and the broken old aggregate. The weak structure had the largest degree of cluster and worst stability, resulting in a large variability of RAP, and it should be avoided in the crushing process.