Asphalt Be Recycled
Asphalt recycling is a great way to save the environment and reduce landfill space. It is also a less expensive alternative to using new asphalt. In fact, recycled asphalt is one of the most popular recycled materials in North America. If you are considering the use of recycled asphalt for your next project, it is important to know how the process works.
Asphalt, also known as bitumen, is a naturally occurring material that is used to create roads and other surfaces. Because it is so heavy and cannot biodegrade, it takes up a lot of space in landfills. This is why many municipalities and private companies are looking for ways to recycle the material.
The Asphalt recycling process starts with the removal of old, damaged asphalt from roadways and underground utilities. These pieces are then gathered and transported to an asphalt plant for processing. When the asphalt is ready, it is mixed with virgin materials and added to make a new product. As a result, the recycled asphalt is stronger than the original and is more environmentally friendly.
How Can Asphalt Be Recycled?
Recycled asphalt is made from a variety of materials, including steel, concrete, glass, and rubber. Some of these components can be recycled in small amounts, while others require more resources. A typical mix includes a 5% binder. Other additives include virgin aggregate and softening agents.
Before the recycling process can begin, the asphalt is scanned to check for any impurities. Once the impurities are removed, the mixture is mixed in an asphalt recycler. Chunks of asphalt are then tumbled for 20 minutes at 300 degrees Fahrenheit. A rejuvenating agent is added to the mixture to soften it into a glue-like consistency.
There are two different types of recycling processes: in-place and hot mix. In-place recycling uses specialized equipment, such as telescopic conveyors, to produce a finished product. Hot mix requires a bit more specialized machinery, such as RAP crushers. Hot mix is produced in a single pass or in a continuous train operation.
The FHWA has guidelines on the process of in-place recycling. It has published guidance documents on the application checklist and on cold in-place asphalt recycling.
If you are interested in purchasing recycled asphalt, be sure to purchase from a trustworthy facility. The quality of the material will depend on how it is recycled. Also, you will want to make sure that the recycled asphalt is free of contaminants such as metals or other non-biodegradable materials. You may want to look into how a local solid waste management district can direct you to a recycling facility.
You can use recycled asphalt to lower costs and improve the efficiency of your projects. The material is durable and can be reused in various ways. Depending on the type of recycled asphalt, you can add it to a new surface course, make it part of a granular base course, or incorporate it into stabilized base courses.
Many contractors are looking for ways to reduce their budgets. Asphalt recycling is one of the easiest ways to do this. For more information, visit RecycleNation’s Recycle Search tool.