Objective

To develop a scientific framework for maximising the utilisation of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) by understanding material ageing and recyclability, binder compatibility and blending, RAP processing, and the performance of recycled asphalt mixtures.

Key Goals

• Understand the influence of ageing on the chemical and rheological characteristics of RAP binders.
• Evaluate the compatibility and blending behaviour of RAP binders with virgin binders, recycling agents, and low viscous refinery material.
• Develop approaches for the characterisation and rational design of recycled binder blends.
• Investigate RAP processing and fractionation techniques to improve material recovery and utilisation.
• Establish relationships between binder-scale characteristics and the performance of recycled asphalt mixtures.
• Translate laboratory findings into practical approaches for higher RAP utilisation through collaboration between academia and industry.

Research Approach

• Advanced chemical, morphological and rheological characterisation of virgin and aged binders.
• Investigation of ageing, rejuvenation, compatibility and blending in recycled binder systems.
• Development and evaluation of RAP processing and fractionation techniques.
• Systematic evaluation of recycled asphalt mixtures across different RAP contents.
• Integration of binder-, mixture- and processing-scale observations to develop a rational framework for RAP utilisation.

Expected Impact

• Enable higher and more reliable utilisation of RAP in asphalt pavement construction.
• Improve the scientific basis for selecting, processing and combining RAP with virgin materials.
• Reduce dependence on virgin aggregates and bituminous binders through more effective recovery and reuse of existing pavement materials.
• Support the development of practical guidelines for RAP characterisation, processing and utilisation.
• Strengthen Indo-German research and industry collaboration in sustainable pavement engineering.

Project Consortium

Partners

MAXRAP brings together leading academic institutions and industrial partners from India and Germany to advance research and innovation in sustainable pavement technologies.