The economic potentials of reclaimed asphalt pavements (RAP) in urban road infrastructure: a case study of Yalova city

Abstract

Due to population growth and technological development, consumption is rapidly increasing all over the world. Waste materials are not disposed of properly, resulting in environmental and visual pollution, health problems and economic disadvantages. Although recycling of waste materials has been given more importance in recent years than in the past, 100% recycling is not possible. Recycling asphalt pavements, protecting natural resources and reusing waste materials are very important to avoid the landfills they create in nature. In addition, the economic benefits of RAP (Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement) cannot be neglected. In this study, the significance of asphalt pavement recycling in the world, recycling methods and economic benefits are highlighted. In addition, the average annual amount of asphalt pavement excavated in Yalova was determined and the approximate cost of using different percentages of RAP was performed. For the construction of 1 km of asphalt pavement, the road construction costs were evaluated and compared using 30%, 50% and 70% RAP. Based on the findings, 6%, 11% and 15% of the initial costs could be saved, respectively. Although 70% RAP usage increased the recycling cost by 12%, it decreased the bitumen use by 7.2%, the aggregate use by 10.6%, and the operation cost by 11.1%.