Rheological and Performance Evaluation of Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) in Flexible Pavement Construction
Engr. Emeka Chukwuka
reinforced Growing demand for sustainable infrastructure has intensified interest in recycled construction materials, particularly Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP). RAP offers environmental and economic advantages by reducing demand for virgin aggregates and bitumen; however, aged binder stiffening and reduced flexibility can increase fatigue and cracking susceptibility if not properly managed. This study presents a laboratory evaluation of asphalt mixtures incorporating RAP at replacement levels of 0%, 10%, 20%, 30% and 40%, with binder contents between 5.0% and 7.0%. Testing included conventional binder characterisation (penetration, softening point, flash and fire point), Marshall stability and flow analysis, volumetric evaluation (air voids, VMA and VFA) and microstructural/chemical assessment using SEM, XRD and XRF.