Effects of multiple recycling on the performance characteristics of asphalt binder using different recycling agents

• Published in: Road materials and pavement design Vol. 25; no. 8; pp. 1680 - 1693
• Main Authors: Rodrigues, Julia A., Vasconcelos, Kamilla L., Martin, Amy Epps, Arámbula-Mercado, Edith, Masad, Eyad
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Abingdon Taylor & Francis 02-08-2024; Lavoisier
• Subjects: Asphalt pavements; Binders (materials); Blending charts; Multiple recycling; RAP percent; Reclaimed asphalt pavement; Recycling; Recycling agent; Thermal stability
• ISSN: 1468-0629; 2164-7402
• DOI: 10.1080/14680629.2023.2268744

The process of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) recycling may occur multiple times during the life of the pavement. This study investigates the effect of multiple recycling on binder properties by employing a virgin 3045 PEN grade binder that was aged in the laboratory intended to simulate aging of binders in RAP. The  aged binder was rejuvenated using two bio-oils and one softer binder. The doses of the bio-oils and softer binder were determined by matching the continuous high-temperature performance grade (PGH) of the rejuvenated RAP binder to that of the virgin binder. This aging and rejuvenation cycle was repeated three times. Finally, fatigue and rutting performance of the binder was evaluated for the three reuse levels. Results indicate that the material can be reused up to three cycles keeping good performance on fatigue or rutting. However, care should be taken regarding the cumulative effect of bio-oils causing an over-softening effect on the of the RAP.