Although the use of recycled asphalt materials (RAM) in new asphalt mixtures can reduce the amount of virgin and nonrenewable materials required and increase the rutting resistance of pavements, it may also compromise cracking resistance. To mitigate this issue, asphalt mixtures containing RAM may require the use of a softer binder or recycling agent (RA).

The TRB National Cooperative Highway Research Program's NCHRP Synthesis 586: Use of Recycling Agents in Asphalt Concrete Mixtures documents current state department of transportation (DOT) practices and procedures related to the use of RAs in asphalt mixtures containing RAM.