The Reuse of Broken Asphalt: Innovative Solutions and Recycling Methods

Introduction

Asphalt road surfaces, although durable and flexible, are not immune to wear and tear. Over time, exposure to UV radiation and infrared radiation causes the asphalt to become brittle, leading to cracks and other signs of wear. This raises the question: Is broken asphalt useful? Can it be reused or repurposed in any meaningful way? The answer is a resounding yes, especially with the help of innovative solutions and effective recycling methods.

The Problem with Brittle Asphalt

After approximately 6 to 7 years, the sun's ultra-violet (UV) radiation and infrared radiation cause asphalt to lose its flexibility, leading to a brittle surface. This brittleness makes it unsuitable for remelting and reuse without significant processing. However, there are clever ways to repurpose this broken asphalt to create new opportunities.

Repurposing Broken Asphalt

Brittle, broken asphalt can be recycled and reused in various applications, including:

Base Formation: Broken asphalt can serve as a stabilizing base for new roads or paths. It can also be used to fill in pits or form walk paths and other floor areas. Ground-Up Applications: In some cases, particularly if you have a large volume, such as 50 yards cubic, it might be worthwhile to have the broken asphalt ground up and re-applied as a “chip seal.” This process works well for less-traveled roads. Recycling into New Asphalt: Broken asphalt can be recycled by being integrated into new asphalt. The old asphalt concrete can be used to reduce the demand for new asphaltic cement, ultimately lowering production costs. This process involves testing and analysis to ensure the correct mixture design. As asphalt cements age, they become more brittle, and these factors must be accounted for in the new mixture design.

Recycling Process in Action

Recycling of broken asphalt is not a new concept. In fact, it is becoming increasingly common in urban and highway construction projects. For example, in many cities and highways, recycled asphalt pavement (RAP) is widely used. RAP is a mixture of crushed reclaimed asphalt pavement and new asphalt binders. This recycled material not only reduces the environmental impact but also saves raw materials and energy costs.

Canada, known for its cold climate and frost heaves, has developed innovative machinery that can tear up old asphalt, heat it, and reapply it in a single pass. This process can effectively rework, reapply, and roll the old asphalt into position, allowing for a cost-effective and efficient solution to road maintenance and renewal.

Conclusion

The reuse of broken asphalt through innovative solutions and recycling methods offers a sustainable and cost-effective approach to road maintenance and construction. Whether repurposed as a base layer, ground up for chip seal, or integrated into new asphalt, broken asphalt can play a significant role in modern construction practices, contributing to both environmental and economic benefits.