Optimal percentage of reclaimed asphalt pavement in central plant hot recycling mixture

For determining the optimal percentage of RAP material in central plant hot recycling, binder was recovered from RAP by means of Abson recovery method, and properties tests of mixed binders consisting of recovered asphalt and fresh asphalt at different ratios were performed. In addition, the performances of mixture with different percentages of RAP such as rutting resistance, anti-cracking, moisture susceptibility and fatigue resistance were tested. The binder test results showed that the high temperature performance was improved with the increase of the percentage of the RAP, while the low temperature performance was declined. When the percentage of the recovered binder was less than 30%, the mixed binder could match the technical standards for fresh asphalt. Tests on the mixtures showed that rutting resistance increased gradually as RAP percentage increased, while thermal anti-cracking at low temperature and fatigue properties declined. The effect of the percentage of RAP on moisture susceptibility was limited. It is indicated that low temperature performance and fatigue properties are important for selecting the optimal percentage of RAP. Based on data obtained from binders and mixtures, it is concluded that the maximum percentage of RAP is approximately 30% without the addition of rejuvenating agent.