Crushed asphalt is an environmentally-friendly material that can help reduce cost and bid prices for hot mix asphalt materials, has been proven to deliver excellent performance, and may contribute to LEED requirements. It is commonly used for a wide range of construction purposes, however additional possibilities exist that aren’t top-of-mind for most designers and builders.
Why Use Crushed Asphalt?
Reclaimed asphalt pavement (also known as RAP) can be milled from existing asphalt pavements, pavement rubble from roadway destruction or plant waste. It is the most recycled material in America, with nearly 100 million tons of Recycled Asphalt Pavement re-used in the U.S. every year. RAP has been used widely for more than 30 years and now makes up about 12% of the volume of the crushed asphalt mixtures produced in the U.S.
Unlike cement, which chemically changes when it’s mixed with water, asphalt binder’s properties change from solid to liquid to solid again as a function of temperature; no chemical change takes place. Therefore, crushed asphalt pavements and mixes can be removed at the end of their long service lives, reprocessed, heated again and turned back into new asphalt pavement.
Crushed asphalt is most commonly used for roads and parking lot construction, such as:
- In paved roads as aggregate base, aggregate subbase, and shoulders
- In gravel roads as surfacing
- As base for building foundations
- As fill for utility trenches
- Road resurfacing
- Driveway resurfacing
- Parking lot resurfacing
- Material use for under buildings
- Build-up ground for special products
What Other Project Types Are a Good Fit for Crushed Asphalt?
Asphalt surfaces are hard and smooth, making them suitable for a wide range of recreational activities as well. The materials can be also used on steeper alignments without significant erosion concerns. In addition, research has shown that crushed asphalt pavements made with recycled materials perform the same as or better than those made with virgin materials.
While many playground surfaces are currently constructed with recycled rubber or another similar material that offers cushioning for falls, there are many playground and recreational surfaces that are still ideal for crushed asphalt – such as basketball and tennis courts, and walking trails. In addition, reclaimed asphalt is performs well as a base layer for sidewalks in residential neighborhoods, campuses and office parks.
RAP may be the right material for your next project. To learn more about the cost savings and green benefits of recycled asphalt, contact Basic Construction today at (757) 249-3789.
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