Reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP)


Reclaimed asphalt pavement is defined as removed pavement materials containing asphalt and aggregates. These materials are generated when asphalt pavements are removed for reconstruction, resurfacing, or to obtain access to buried utilities. When properly crushed and screened, RAP consists of high-quality, well-graded aggregates coated by asphalt cement. Asphalt pavement has been America's most recycled material for a long time. Using RAP material has well-recognized financial and environmental benefits. Although most of the produced RAP is recycled, a large portion of it is wasted or down-graded when used in landfills, embankment or base layers.
As of 2016, only few U.S. state agencies used more than 25% RAP in their roadway asphalt mixtures.