Experimental study of recycled asphalt mixtures with high percentages of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP)

This paper presents an experimental study to characterize the mechanical behaviour of bituminous mixtures containing high rates of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP). Two semi-dense mixtures of 12 and 20 mm maximum aggregate size and containing 40% and 60% RAP, respectively (S-12 and S-20, in accordance with Spanish specifications), which were used for rehabilitation of a highway section, were evaluated. First, the effect of RAP variability on the recycled mixtures was analyzed. Their mechanical properties were then studied by determining the stiffness modulus and indirect tensile strength and cracking and fatigue behaviour. Results show that high rates of recycled material can generally be incorporated into bituminous mixes by proper characterization and handling of RAP stockpiles.