Assessing RAP Multi-Recycling Capacity by the Characterization of Recovered Bitumen Using DSR

Abstract

This paper addresses the changes in bitumen properties during multi-recycling cycles, both before and after ageing. The rheology of recovered bitumen was characterized using the dynamic shear rheometer. The softening point and penetration value were also determined. The analysis showed that the bitumen’s properties could be recovered even after more than one recycling cycle. The bitumen recovered from the second recycling cycle presented an average reduction of 45% in terms of complex modulus when compared with the first recycling cycle. The bitumen from the RAP mixtures presented a similar susceptibility to ageing. The analysis clearly showed that RAP has the potential to be multi-recycled.