We’ve got a clean RAP- Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement
The use of recycled asphalt paving is a critical sustainable effort in the paving industry. Reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) consists of removed or processed materials containing asphalt and aggregates. These materials are created when asphalt pavements are removed for construction, 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.
“Although some form of pavement recycling had been practiced as early as 1915, the first sustained efforts to recover and reuse old asphalt paving materials were conducted during 1974 in Nevada and Texas. Bolstered by the sponsorship of the Federal Highway Administration, (FHWA), more than 40 states performed and documented RAP demonstration projects between 1976 and 1982.” -Mike Cook, GraniteRock
Currently, Joseph McCormick Construction is at the top of the industry when it comes to RAP. Through this, they are able to reduce the demand for virgin aggregates and asphalt cement needed to manufacture new hot mix asphalt and recycles over 15,000 tons of RAP annually. Through the use of a RAP program, the company is able to reduce the use of virgin materials therefore preserving landfill space.
“Asphalt is being recycled more than most other solid waste products, which might surprise you. Around 80% of all asphalt paving is used again after recycling and the asphalt industry is seen in many circles as the ‘greenest’ industry in the world right now.” – Daniel Wood, Athens-Atlanta Asphalt
Part of the ‘green’ reputation that asphalt possesses is due to the RAP that has been a hit in the past few decades. More contractors will look to asphalt as the push to ‘go green’ continues over the next few years and beyond.
