Pavement Performance of Asphalt Surface Course Containing Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP)

TLDR: In this paper, the performance of a provincial road with an asphalt surface course containing reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) was evaluated in Zhejiang, China, where an AC-13 was chosen as gradation design in all mixes.

Abstract: Reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) provides many advantages. The performance of a provincial road with an asphalt surface course containing RAP in Zhejiang, China was evaluated. The surface course was prepared by central plant hot mix recycling and virgin asphalt concrete. An AC-13 was chosen as gradation design in all mixes. The performance of asphalt mixture (containing 0 %, 10 %, 20 %, and 30 % RAP) was evaluated in the laboratory for fatigue resistance condition, moisture susceptibility, high-temperature stability, and low-temperature anti-cracking. Based on the laboratory results, the provincial road was constructed consisting of three sections (corresponding to 0 %, 10 %, and 20 % RAP content) in surface course with a 30-mm depth. The field site has been inspected and observed for 4 years. The field testing included deflection, skid resistance, permeable performance, and evenness evaluations. The laboratory test results show that all the testing indices satisfied the demand of the specifications, except moisture susceptibility and low temperature anti-cracking performance of the recycled asphalt concrete, including 30 % RAP. The inspection data proved that a small percentage of RAP unaffected the surface course performance, but RAP ratios greater than 20 % are not suitable in the mainline for high-volume roadways.