Evaluation of reclaimed asphalt mixtures rejuvenated with waste engine oil to resist rutting deformation

Abstract

Abstract Reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) is a sustainable and cost-effective way to reduce the need for virgin asphalt in road construction and rehabilitation. However, RAP is often hard and brittle, leading to performance problems. Rejuvenators can be used to restore RAP's physical and rheological properties, but many conventional rejuvenators are petroleum-based and have environmental drawbacks. The objective of this study is to assess the rutting and moisture resistance characteristics of reclaimed asphalt mixtures rejuvenated with waste engine oil (WEO), with a particular focus on regions characterized by hot climates, such as Iraq. This study investigated WEO as a rejuvenator for RAP and oxidized asphalt grade 30–40. WEO is a waste product that can be recycled and reused, making it a sustainable and environmentally friendly rejuvenator. The study found that asphalt mixes containing RAP rejuvenated with WEO had improved mechanical performance compared to conventional asphalt mixes. Marshall stability increased by up to 30%, indirect tensile strength increased by up to 29%, moisture resistance improved by up to 19%, resilience to stripping increased by up to 97%, and rutting resistance increased by up to 64.5%. The study findings suggest that asphalt mixtures containing RAP rejuvenated with WEO are a promising new technology for sustainable road construction and rehabilitation. WEO is a waste product that can be recycled, reused, and used to produce asphalt mixes with improved mechanical performance. The novelty of this study is the use of WEO as a rejuvenator for RAP. WEO is a waste product that can be regenerated and reused, making it a sustainable and environmentally friendly rejuvenator. The study also investigated the optimal WEO concentration for rejuvenating RAP asphalt mixes, which is important for producing asphalt mixes with the desired performance characteristics.