An investigation on the effects of incorporating Reclaimed Asphalt Shingles (RAS) in asphalt mixtures
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Date
2024-06
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University of New Brunswick
Abstract
The pavement industry has historically promoted recycled resources, and Reclaimed Asphalt Shingles (RAS) offers a cost-effective, energy-efficient, and sustainable alternative for pavement construction. This study investigated the performance effects of adding a small amount of RAS to asphalt mixtures without modifying the asphalt binder grade or adding rejuvenators. Three mixes were used: a laboratory-prepared control mix without RAS, a laboratory-prepared RAS mix, and a plant-produced RAS mix, both of which had 3% RAS by the weight of the aggregates. For reasons beyond our control, the plant-produced mix had a different aggregate source and mix design. The samples were aged and compacted to achieve the desired air void content according to the material preparation and testing standards. Indirect Tensile Asphalt Cracking Test (Ideal-CT), Rapid Shear Rutting Test (Ideal-RT), Hamburg Wheel Tracking Test (HWTT), and Resistance of Compacted Bituminous Mixture to Moisture-Induced Damage Test were performed to examine the difference in the performance. The findings show that RAS increases the asphalt mix's rutting tolerance, but it also increases susceptibility to cracking and stripping. It was recommended that field sections' performance be assessed to corroborate laboratory results.