A Study of the Thermal Interactions of Sustainable Asphalt Concrete Pavements

Abstract

A study of the thermal interactions of select sustainable technologies, such as reclaimed asphalt pavements (RAP), recycled asphalt shingles (RAS), ground tire rubber (GTR), and foamed asphalt in cold recycled materials was performed using the structural sections built as part of the fifth research cycle at the National Center for Asphalt Technology (NCAT) Test Track. The study focused on two stages in the life of asphalt concrete (AC) pavements, initial construction and in-service life. Results revealed that even if theoretical models for predicting the initial cooling of AC were satisfactory, the use of RAS, GTR-modified binders, and foamed cold mix bases had a direct effect on the temperature predictions, warranting further investigation. A subsequent analysis of the built pavements established that the use of these sustainable technologies affected the thermal properties of asphalt concrete pavements, which could impact the structural and functional performance of the pavement.