Improving durability of asphalt mixes produced with reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) by enhancing binder blending

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The road construction industry is strongly linked to the petroleum industry through the use of asphalt binders. However, the price of asphalt binder is linked to the price of crude oil and high volatility has been seen in prices in recent years. Recycling asphalt pavement creates a cycle of reusing materials that optimizes the use of natural resources, such as virgin aggregates and binders. Reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) is a sustainable alternative to virgin materials because it reduces the amount of costly new asphalt binders and virgin aggregates required in the production of asphalt paving mixtures. Thus, the use of RAP in asphalt mixes is becoming a common practice by the asphalt paving industry in Canada. However, the durability of asphalt mixtures produced with RAP remains a major challenge. Hence, the main objective of this research proposal is to investigate possible solutions to enhance the performance of asphalt mixes with RAP by increasing the blending between RAP's aged and added virgin binders in the mix.It is well accepted that the uncertainty in blending efficiency may be a major factor behind some of the durability issues of RAP mixtures. To understand this blending and its effect on the performance, a multi-scale investigation is proposed. The blending will be investigated at a micro-scale level and will be linked to the performance of the mixture. This process will help the scientific community to have a better understanding of the complex blending phenomenon. Moreover, the proposed project will deliver a synthesis document that provides practical recommendations to the professionals of the Canadian asphalt industry for a better use of RAP in a more economic, sustainable and environmentally friendly fashion in asphalt mix products.