A study on the use of reclaimed asphalt pavement aggregates in pavement quality concrete

To overcome the deficit of natural aggregates, alternate materials are being proposed. As an alternative to natural aggregates, reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) aggregates in the present study was used. When processed properly, RAP consists of well-graded, high quality aggregates, coated by a layer of asphalt. In the current study natural aggregates were partially replaced by RAP aggregates, These specimens were tested for the mechanical properties. A substantial loss in the compressive strength of RAP based concrete was observed when more than 20% of RAP aggregates were used. For 20% replacement of RAP aggregate, the compressive strength was within the acceptable limits for producing a 40 MPa concrete. Also the flexural strength of 20% RAP concrete was higher than 4.5 MPa and also, 20% had higher flexural toughness compared to the control mix, without RAP. These results suggest that as much of 20% of RAP aggregates can be used for PQC without any significant impact on the properties of the concrete produced.