Recycled Asphalt is the smart, economical and green choice for your construction project
Asphalt is one of the most cost-efficient and durable materials used in construction. With many options to choose from, asphalt can be used in a variety of applications and can be formulated to fit just about any surfacing project you may have.
One of the most desired and used products in asphalt construction is Recycled Asphalt Pavement. It’s valuable benefits and ability to be used in the same applications as traditional hot mix asphalt make it one to be considered.
What is recycled asphalt pavement?
Recycled asphalt pavement is forged when existing asphalt is removed for reasons that often include resurfacing, reconstruction, or the need to gain access to the land beneath the pavement. The asphalt that is removed can then be crushed for a second time and reused in the development of new asphalt.
RAP is a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED©) Certified Material. Asphalt is typically produced from a mixture of rock, sand and hot binder oil. Rather than using 100% virgin materials that have been extracted from hillside quarries or out of river beds, BoDean Company incorporates recycled roads that need to be rebuilt or resurfaced. RAP is of a superior quality and value than traditional asphalt
Uses of RAP
When RAP undergoes the process of recycling, it is reprocessed and re-crushed into aggregate-size material. Because it is nearly taken back to its original state, recycled asphalt can be used in many of the same applications as traditional asphalt. Recycled asphalt is also used in the paving of parking lots, gravel road rehabilitation and bike paths, according to the Federal Highway Administration.
According to the Federal Highway Administration, “RAP is now routinely accepted in asphalt paving mixtures as an aggregate substitute and as a portion of the binder in nearly all 50 states. Recently developed technology has even made it possible to recycle 90 to 100 percent RAP in hot mix.”
When it comes to paving, asphalt is always a good choice. It contains the key ingredients to make your construction project or road that a sustainable, affordable and durable one. By using RAP, you get the benefits of traditional hot mix asphalt as well as the added benefits of using a recycled product without cutting quality.
Benefits of RAP
Recycled asphalt is becoming more common in construction and material applications because the benefits are all so valuable.The National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA) estimates that 56 million tons of RAP was used in hot mix asphalt (HMA) pavements in 2009, with 62.1 million tons having been used in 2010.
- Environmental – Asphalt is 100% reusable, thus making it a sustainable product. Its durability and strength render it the most desirable material for paving. The fact that it is so often reused and recycled make its environmental benefits apparent as it conserves the natural and raw resources that are taken from the land to produce virgin asphalt. According to theEuropean Asphalt Pavement Association (EAPA), “Research clearly shows that recycling asphalt lowers energy costs and CO2 emissions significantly.”
- Economical – Using RAP saves everyone money. It is less expensive to produce and, therefore, less expensive to purchase. The cost of paving roads using RAP is less costly for governments and therefore costs taxpayers less as well.
- Quality – Unlike many other recycled products, asphalt does not lose its durability or quality during the recycling process. RAP remains just as strong as virgin hot mix asphalt. Using recycled asphalt in the production process means a primer coat that is already on the RAP aggregates leads to a higher quality product.
- LEED Credits – If you are looking for ways to earn LEED credits for your construction project, incorporating recycled asphalt is always a good way.
Did you know?
Asphalt is the most recycled and reused material in the country. Even more than aluminum cans or paper. According to EHS Today, “A report from the Federal Highway Administration shows that 80 percent of the asphalt pavement that’s removed each year during widening and resurfacing projects is reused. That is substantially higher than the Environmental Protection Agency’s recycling rates of 60 percent for aluminum cans, 56 percent for newsprint, 37 percent for plastic soft drink bottles, 31 percent for glass beverage bottles and 23 percent for magazines.”
Selecting RAP
Is recycled asphalt pavement the best choice for you? We aready to assist you in selecting the right mix for your project. Our consultants are trained and equipped to help with recommendations on selecting the best mix for your project and this may help save you both time and money. Please connect with us at (707) 576-8205 to speak to a BoDean Company specialist or click here to request a free online quote.