Exploring the Effects of Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement on Hot-Mix Asphalt Performance and the Use of Blending Charts to Predict Them: A Laboratory Investigation

ABSTRACT This laboratory-based research validates bitumen blending charts for asphalt mix performance, focusing on volumetric properties, compactability, rutting, thermal cracking resistance, and viscoelastic behaviors. The study examines asphalt mixtures with varying reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) content (0 to 100 %), adhering to MUN-10 Quebec mix specifications for municipal road construction. Two bitumen content scenarios are considered: one assumes 100 % of RAP bitumen is mobilizable, fully contributing to mix performance, whereas the other assumes 60 % mobilizable RAP bitumen. The study confirms the accuracy of blending charts in predicting mix performance and assesses RAP bitumen properties without solvent extraction. The recycled bitumen ratio is used as a predictive tool, enhancing understanding in pavement engineering and construction. The findings indicate that most bitumen from RAP appears to be mobilizable.