Effect of Using RAP on Gravel Roads

Status: Active
Project Start Date: No Date

Summary:

Recycled Asphalt Pavement (RAP) has been used in several construction applications, including blending of RAP with virgin aggregates in gravel roads. RAP is intended to reduce costs and offer environmental benefits through reduced consumption of natural aggregates, while adding cohesion, which can add strength and bind particles to reduce raveling and loss of aggregate. RAP can also reduce the permeability of the surface course by decreasing the void volume, which may have beneficial effects of reducing dust loss and creating a tighter particle packing that aids stability. However, the beneficial effects of RAP may decrease over time as the oils in the RAP dry out. Furthermore, RAP can make blading operations more difficult as the material adheres to the moldboard in hot weather or becomes hard and brittle in cold weather. The objective of this study is to help agencies better understand the potential advantages and disadvantages of using RAP in gravel roads by synthesizing the existing research, surveying local MN agencies, performing field and laboratory tests on new and existing sections of gravel roads containing RAP, and conducting a life-cycle cost analysis (LCCA).

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Project Personnel:

Principal Investigator: Jeramy Ashlock
Co-Principal Investigator: Halil Ceylan
Technical Liaison: Mike Suska, Terrence Beaudry, Seth Greenwood
Project Coordinator: Briah Carlson
Panel Members:
    Aaron Holmbeck - Nobles County Public Works Department
    Andrew Engel - McLeod County
    Bruce Hasbargen - Beltrami County
    Chad Sweeney - Rice County
    Devron Havemeier - Nicollet County
    Eddie Johnson - Materials & Road Research
    Jona Jacobson - Becker County
    Nick Klisch - Redwood County
    Noah Baumgarten - Dodge County
    Rick West - Stonebrooke Engineering