Pavement Sustainability: Permeable Wearing Courses by Recycling Porous European Mixes

Abstract

The main objective of this research is the formalization of strategies and technical procedures for recycling porous European mixes (PEMs) back to permeable wearing courses. A number of issues were studied: mitigating the drawback of clogging and its related consequences (decay of acoustic and permeability performance over time); preserving traditional (bearing properties, skid resistance) and premium (quietness, permeability) performance; recycling high percentages of cold-milled reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) from PEM; and investigating the collateral effects in terms of sustainability. To investigate the aforementioned issues, an experimental plan was designed. Mixes with high RAP contents were produced and tested. Design and construction features, including mix design and mixing procedures, were addressed. Even if other experiments are needed, mechanical and environmental properties are promising. Furthermore, the tests carried out are encouraging regarding the possibility of achieving a satisfactory level of surface performance. Practical applications for rehabilitation intervention are outlined.