Evaluation of warm mix asphalt performance with high RAP content

Abstract

The pavement industry is currently forced to find alternative ways to produce asphaltic concrete with the dwindling supply of new resources and the spiraling cost of materials. Warm Mix Asphalt (WMA) using reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) offers a sustainable solution to the problem by reducing energy requirements for production and the reuse of old pavement materials. The effects of warm mix asphalt additive (Sasobit) on mixes containing different percentages of RAP were investigated in the laboratory. Three different concentrations of RAP (30%, 40% and 50%) with 1.5% Sasobit by weight of binder were added, and Marshall method was used to produce all samples investigated. Two different mixing and compaction temperatures were used, 155°C and 135°C for mixing and 135°C and 120°C for compaction. The performance of the mixes in terms of stiffness and moisture damage were investigated by carrying out the Indirect Tensile Resilient Modulus Test (ASTM D4123) and moisture susceptibility test (ASTM D 4867). The results obtained showed that there were no substantial differences in volumetric properties, stability and stiffness values of reclaimed mixes than the control mix (conventional hot mix asphalt). In addition, all the mixes investigated achieved the required minimum TSR of 80%. Measured rut depth using the Asphalt Pavement Analyser (APA) device and fatigue cycles to failure using beam specimen indicated that the mixes performed similar to or better than the control mix. The results showed that warm mix asphalt using sasobit-additive and containing high percentages of RAP could be a sustainable alternative to the conventional HMA mix.