Evaluating the Performance of Concrete Containing Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement as Coarse Aggregate

Abstract

Reclaimed asphalt pavement is a recycled pavement material consisting of asphalt and aggregate that has been treated. The majority of RAP is recycled back into pavements; hence there is a general dearth of data on the properties of RAP in other prospective uses such as Portland cement concrete. In this work, the characteristics of Portland cement concrete with coarse RAP were examined in the laboratory. Further, basalt fibers have been employed in the concrete mix to enhance the properties of concrete.  The different proportions of RAP have been added into the concrete as a replacement to coarse aggregate for finding the optimum dosage for enhancing strength and durability. All samples were tested for workability, compressive strength, flexural strength, and acid attack tests to investigate the impact of RAP as coarse aggregate on concrete performance. The test results indicate that the inclusion of RAP makes concrete more workable while decreasing its strength. The reason for this is the inadequate adhesion between the cement matrix and RAP aggregate. Additionally, the durability and strength of RAP concrete are improved by the incorporation of basalt fibers. In addition to RAP as a partial substitute for coarse aggregate, the investigation suggests employing basalt fibers.

Index Terms: Reclaimed asphalt pavement, workability, Strength, Durability, Replacement, Fly ash, Sustainability