Mechanistic and Volumetric Properties of Asphalt Mixtures with Recycled Asphalt Pavement

Abstract

This research examines how the addition of recycled asphalt pavement (RAP) changes the volumetric and mechanistic properties of asphalt mixtures. A Superpave^® 19-mm mixture containing 0% RAP was the control for evaluating properties of mixes containing 15%, 25%, and 40% RAP. Two types of RAP were evaluated: a processed RAP and an unprocessed RAP (grindings). Testing included dynamic modulus in tension and compression, creep compliance in compression, and creep flow in compression. Dynamic modulus and creep compliance master curves were constructed with the use of the time–temperature superposition principle to describe the behavior of each mix over a range of temperatures. The voids in mineral aggregate (VMA) and voids filled with asphalt (VFA) of the RAP mixtures increased at the 25% and 40% levels, and there was also an influence of preheating time on the volumetric properties. The dynamic modulus of the processed RAP mixtures increased from the control to 15% RAP level, but the 25% and 40% RAP mixtures had dynamic modulus curves similar to that of the control mixture in both tension and compression. The creep compliance curves showed similar trends. A combination of gradation, asphalt content, and volumetric properties is likely the cause of these trends.