Using Rap in Superpave Florida's Experience

USING RAP IN SUPERPAVE--FLORIDA'S EXPERIENCE

Warren, J

Abstract

Just as Florida has been a lead state in the implementation of Superpave, they have also taken the lead in developing the art of using recycled materials in this new pavement design system. As of November 1998, Florida had 157 approved Superpave mix designs, and 117 of those designs included reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP). One of the reasons Florida has been so successful in using RAP is that the contractor is supplied with detailed information about the RAP in the bid documents. A blending chart and good common sense engineering is used to design the Superpave mixes with RAP since there is no real consensus about how to handle RAP and performance graded (PG) binders. Florida has historically used an arbitrary 2.585 for the aggregate specific gravity for RAP in Marshall mixes, since there is no standard test method. Officials continue to learn more about this mix design system and binder selection with each project.