Case Study on Forensic Evaluation of Field Performance of 100% Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement Cold Mix with Rejuvenator in a Low-Volume Road

Abstract

Utilization of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) at lower production temperatures is a low-carbon and sustainable technology in the asphalt industry. This study provides a forensic evaluation of a low-volume road in Florida that used 100% RAP cold mix with a rejuvenator. Two field distress surveys were completed after 7 and 22 months of service, and the effects of staged construction and edge compaction on the road conditions were evaluated. Alongside the field survey, the asphalt mixture’s properties were analyzed in terms of field cores’ volumetric properties, Cantabro loss, Hamburg wheel tracking, indirect tensile resilient modulus, and fracture tests. The ride quality was good, but the main distresses were weathering and raveling. It was determined that the field cores had high air voids, resulting in high Cantabro loss, which was consistent with field raveling observations. The Hamburg wheel-tracking test results showed that rutting resistance and moisture resistance were good for a 100% RAP cold mix with rejuvenator. To improve field performance, it is recommended to mix and compact a 100% RAP cold mix with rejuvenator on the same day, as well as improve compaction on the edge to achieve higher in-place density.