HMA is one of the most recycled products in the U.S. It is estimated that about 90 million tons of recycled HMA (termed “reclaimed asphalt pavement” or RAP) is used each year in the U.S. ( milled off roads during resurfacing and widening projects each year (NAPA IS 138, 2020). RAP is typically generated by rehabilitation or reconstruction projects, and nearly every HMA producer uses RAP in some fashion. The National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA) estimates that “…RAP use in 2019 reduced the need for 4.5 million tons (24 million barrels) of asphalt binder and more than 84 million tons of aggregate with a total estimated value of more than $3.2 billion.” (NAPA IS 138, 2020, page 7). RAP can be used in a variety of ways such as:
- An addition to regular HMA.
- An aggregate in cold-mix asphalt.
- A granular base course when pulverized.
- A fill or embankment material.
HMA recycling can be divided into two basic categories based on the recycling methods used: hot recycling and cold recycling. This section presents the basic recycling process as well as typical uses and considerations for each of these recycling methods.
Hot Recycling
Hot recycling is so named because RAP is used as an aggregate in HMA (hot mix asphalt). In hot recycling, old HMA pavement is removed, broken down into aggregate-sized chunks and then incorporated into new HMA as an aggregate. There are two basic methods for accomplishing this:
Cold Recycling
Cold recycling is so named because RAP is used as an aggregate in cold mix asphalt. In cold recycling, old HMA pavement is removed, broken down into aggregate-sized chunks and then combined with an emulsified or foamed asphalt. This mix is then typically used as a stabilized base course for reconstructed pavements. There are two basic cold recycling methods:
- Cold Plant Mix Recycling
- Cold In-Place Recycling (CIR)
CIR can also be extended to the full pavement as Full Depth Reclamation (FDR):
[[1]]Asphalt Pavement Alliance (APA). (2001a). Recycling Asphalt Pavement Background. Paper posted on the APA website (http://www.asphaltroads.org/) as a .pdf file. Accessed 6 November 2001.[[1]]