Thermal cracking potential in asphalt mixtures with high RAP contents

Qazi Aurangzeb, Imad L. Al-Qadi, William J. Pine, James S. Trepanier, Ibrahim M. Abuawad

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

Abstract

Asphalt recycling is a key component of the sustainable practices in the pavement industry. Use of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) minimizes the construction cost as well as consumption of natural resources. Adding RAP, though, is believed to make the asphalt mixtures prone to thermal cracking by increasing their stiffness. A semi-circular bend (SCB) test was conducted to evaluate the low temperature cracking potential of asphalt mixtures with RAP, whereas, a flow number test was conducted to provide some insight into the gained stiffness. Eight asphalt mixtures with a high amount (up to 50%) of RAP were designed using two material sources. Two additional softer binders were used to prepare testing samples in order to evaluate the effect of binder grade bumping. Flow number test data showed significant improvement in potential rutting resistance of asphalt mixtures when RAP was added. However, thermal cracking potential may increase when RAP is added to asphalt mixtures. This effect could be reduced when binder double-pumped grade is used.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication"7th RILEM International Conference on Cracking in Pavements
Subtitle of host publicationMechanisms, Modeling, Testing, Detection,Prevention and Case Histories
PublisherKluwer Academic Publishers
Pages1271-1280
Number of pages10
ISBN (Print)9789400745650
DOIs
StatePublished - 2012

Publication series

NameRILEM Bookseries
Volume4
ISSN (Print)2211-0844
ISSN (Electronic)2211-0852

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Civil and Structural Engineering
  • Building and Construction
  • Mechanics of Materials

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