Investigating the effects of rejuvenating agents by means of reclaimed asphalt model system

This experimental study investigated the effectiveness of different types of rejuvenating agents used in reclaimed asphalt pavements by means of a novel methodological approach. Such approach is based on mechanical testing of Reclaimed Asphalt Model Systems (RAMS), constituted by single-size reclaimed asphalt compacted to a high value of voids in mineral aggregates. The rationale behind the methodology is that the mechanical response of RAMS is mainly dependent upon the bonding of binder phase, thus allowing the direct assessment of the effect of rejuvenators on aged binder. The experimental program included the determination of dynamic modulus, fatigue properties and indirect tensile strength of the systems. The sensitivity to ageing of considered rejuvenating products was also investigated. Although the results do not allow definitive conclusions to be drawn on RAMS, they confirm that the use of proposed approach has good potentialities for the assessment and ranking of rejuvenating agents.