Rubberized Asphalt Benefitting Asphalt Pavements

Description

Rubberized Asphalt Benefiting Asphalt Pavements

George B. Way, P.E., Jorge Sousa, Ph.D., Kamil E. Kaloush, Ph.D., P.E.

ABSTRACT:  This paper describes the use, benefit and cost of rubberized asphalt. Rubberized asphalt (RA) materials are a blend of scrap tire rubber and hot asphalt. These materials have been in use for about 50 years. RA materials consist of a blend of scrap tire rubber and hot asphalt which creates a binder with superior elastic (rubber like) properties. The amount of scrap tire rubber in the asphalt can range from as little as about seven percent to as high as 25 percent by weight of the asphalt binder. RA materials are typically used in seal coats and thin overlays. Worldwide examples of such usage are presented along with benefits and cost considerations. Benefits are in terms of tangible measureable attributes such as cracking improvement, rut resistance, ride quality, skid resistance, noise reduction and less maintenance costs. Other benefits are examined in terms of societal issues such as reducing CO2, less energy required, landfill considerations, urban heat island, less materials needed and beneficial recycling of tires. Cost considerations are presented in terms of typical usage and cost comparisons.