The objective of this innovation is to develop a practical methodology comprising of simple and rapid tests to assess the quality and consistency of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) for use in recycled asphalt mixture applications. The current practice for assessing the RAP quality requires determining the binder content and aggregate gradation of the RAP and the performance grade (PG) of the extracted RAP binder, especially for asphalt mixtures with high RAP contents. However, this practice is not practical for routine use, as it requires asphalt extraction, recovery, and PG testing, which are very time-consuming or require specialty equipment that is not widely available to the DOTs. Because of these practicality limitations, the current practice cannot be used to assess the consistency of RAP materials throughout the stockpile, which is necessary to ensure satisfactory performance of RAP asphalt mixtures in the field. The proposed innovation aims to characterize the quality of RAP without the need for solvent extraction, recovery, and PG testing of the RAP binder and to address the consistency of material quality throughout the RAP stockpile. This is achieved  through simple and rapid tests using equipment that is readily available in the vast majority of asphalt laboratories.

Status

Work has been initiated. The Stage 1 Report is expected June 2024.