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Performance and Economic Evaluation of RAP-Incorporated Asphalt Mixes for Local Road

Authors

  • Shan Ul Haq

    Department of Civil Engineering, HITEC University, Taxila, 47080, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
    Author
    https://orcid.org/0009-0003-4947-2738

  • Sabahat Hussan

    Department of Civil Engineering, HITEC University, Taxila, 47080, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
    Author

  • Muhmmad Qasim Ch

    Department of Civil Engineering, HITEC University, Taxila, 47080, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
    Author

  • Subhan Hameed

    Department of Civil Engineering, HITEC University, Taxila, 47080, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
    Author

  • Muhammad Huzaifa

    Department of Civil Engineering, HITEC University, Taxila, 47080, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
    Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22581/muet1982.0641

Keywords:

Cost-Effectiveness, Sustainable, Marshall Stability, Fracture Resistance, Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP)

Abstract

Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) offers a practical route to reduce material consumption and construction cost in asphalt paving, yet its adoption in Pakistan remains constrained by limited local performance–cost evidence. This study investigated the mechanical and economic feasibility of RAP-incorporated hot mix asphalt using locally sourced materials and market-based cost data. Mixtures containing 0%, 25%, 50%, and 75% RAP were designed using the Marshall method, and their performance was evaluated through volumetric analysis, Marshall stability, and semi-circular bending (SCB) peak load testing. Economic assessment was conducted using contractor quotations cross-checked with the Market Rate System (MRS-2024). The optimum binder content was 4.40%. Among all mixtures, the 25% RAP mixture delivered the best overall balance of structural response and cost efficiency, increasing Marshall stability from 9.40 kN to 14.28 kN, equivalent to a 51.9% improvement, while reducing estimated construction cost by 13.8% relative to the virgin mixture. Higher RAP contents showed lower SCB peak load, indicating that excessive aged binder increased mixture stiffness and brittleness, reduced effective blending with the virgin binder, and limited the mixture’s ability to dissipate fracture energy. For the materials and testing conditions investigated, 25% RAP is identified as the most practical and sustainable replacement level for local road applications.

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References

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Published

2026-07-01

Issue

Vol. 45 No. 3 (2026): July Issue

Section

Articles

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Copyright (c) 2026 Mehran University Research Journal of Engineering and Technology

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How to Cite

Performance and Economic Evaluation of RAP-Incorporated Asphalt Mixes for Local Road. (2026). Mehran University Research Journal of Engineering and Technology, 45(3), 89-97. https://doi.org/10.22581/muet1982.0641

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