Investigation of recycled asphalt mixtures in Missouri: laboratory, field, and ILLI-TC modelling

Abstract

This study investigates the lab and field performance of four asphalt mixtures placed in Missouri, USA, containing reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) and recycled asphalt shingles (RAS). Laboratory tests including disk-shaped compact tension fracture (DC(T)), indirect tension (IDT) creep and strength, Illinois flexibility index (I-FIT), indirect tensile cracking test (IDEAL-CT), and the Hamburg wheel tracking test (HWTT) were conducted on field cores and plant-produced, lab-compacted (PPLC) samples. The DC(T), I-FIT, and IDEAL-CT tests showed that all of the mixtures exhibit brittle behaviour and have high cracking potential, while the HWTT indicated that rutting does not appear to be a concern with these mixes. Statistical analysis was performed to examine the capability of the performance tests investigated to distinguish between mixes. The DC(T) exhibited the best ability to distinguish between mixtures, while IDT strength displayed the least ability. Simulations using the ILLI-TC software were conducted to further explore the low temperature cracking behaviour of the mixes. Finally, field data collected using an automatic road analyzer (ARAN) was analyzed to further assess the laboratory performance tests.

KEYWORDS:

• Performance testing
• field core
• plant mixture
• ILLI-TC
• field performance

Acknowledgement

This project was carried out at the University of Missouri-Columbia, Missouri Asphalt Pavement and Innovation Lab (MAPIL). The authors would like to thank Dan Oesch, Jen Harper, and Dave Ahlvers from MoDOT, Dale Williams from the Missouri Asphalt Pavement Association (MAPA), and James Meister from MAPIL for their contributions to this study.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Correction Statement

This article has been republished with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.

Additional information

Funding

This project was sponsored by the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT). The findings and conclusions reported herein are those of the authors, and not necessarily those of the sponsoring agency.