Investigating Optimum Bitumen Content in Recycled Asphalt Mixtures with Response Surface Method

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Babak Golchin 1
Mohammad Moseyyebzadeh 2
Ramin Meshkabadi 3
1 Associate Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran.
2 M.Sc., Grad., Department of Civil Engineering, Ahar Branch, Islamic Azad University, Ahar, Iran.
3 Associate Professor, Department of Advanced Technologies, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran.
10.22034/road.2025.463256.2297
Abstract
Limited access to high-quality aggregates, rising bitumen costs, and environmental considerations have driven the advancement of asphalt mixture recycling in the road construction industry. Recycling asphalt mixtures has proven to be an effective method for rehabilitation and maintenance of asphalt pavements. This study introduces a simple approach to mix design of recycled asphalt mixtures using response surface methodology. The research examines the influence of recycled asphalt pavement type (two variations with differing bitumen and aggregate content) and its proportion (0, 25 and 50%) on the volumetric and strength properties of asphalt mixtures through statistical analysis. An optimal mix design is established, incorporating the composition of new aggregates, the proportion of recycled asphalt pavement, and the quantity of newly optimized bitumen. The findings indicate that the optimal mix design varies depending on the type of recycled asphalt pavement used. Additionally, the proportion of recycled asphalt pavement significantly influences the mix design of the asphalt mixtures. Results reveal that as the percentage of recycled asphalt pavement increases in laboratory specimens, there is an increase in strength, asphalt air voids, flow, and VMA. Conversely, bulk specific gravity and VFA decrease. Furthermore, this research demonstrates that employing the response surface methodology effectively reduces the number of laboratory specimens required for testing.
Keywords
Recycling
Recycled Asphalt Pavement
Response Surface Method‌
Mix Design
Bitumen
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