Utilization of Reclaimed (RAP) in Pavement Construction

Use of reclaimed asphalt pavements in hot mix asphalt mixtures has evolved into a regular practice in many countries around the world. Use of these materials in the past has proved to be economical and environmentally sound. Mixing RAP in virgin materials has been strongly preferred over using virgin materials alone because of the increasing cost of asphalt, scarcity of good quality aggregate, scarcity of asphalt and the ever increasing need to preserve the environment. The literature survey contexts that use of reclaimed asphalt pavement is effective in improving the performance which is equal to or better than the virgin mixtures. Unfortunately, asphalt pavement recycling is yet to take off in India despite the current ambitious road building program underway. This has created a need to use RAP. This study investigates the performance and economic viability of incorporating reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) into stone matrix asphalt (SMA) mixtures for pavement construction. Laboratory tests assessed SMA mixes with 0%, 10%, 30%, and 50% RAP, sourced from NH-7, using VG-30 bitumen and waste engine oil as a rejuvenator. Results indicate that mixes with up to 30% RAP exhibit mechanical properties comparable to or better than virgin mixes, with enhanced tensile and fatigue strength. Economic analysis reveals cost savings of 10-51% over conventional methods, underscoring RAP's potential as a sustainablealternative.This research highlights a practical approach to recycling asphalt in India, where such practices remain underexplored despite ambitious infrastructure goals.