Grantee Research Project Results
Recycling of Asphalt Pavements Using Environmentally Benign Recycling Agents
EPA Grant Number: SU840414Title: Recycling of Asphalt Pavements Using Environmentally Benign Recycling Agents
Investigators: Hochstein, Daniel , Hangun-Balkir, Yelda , El-Hakim, Mohab
Current Investigators: Hochstein, Daniel , El-Hakim, Mohab , Hangun-Balkir, Yelda , Dano, Christian , Casale, Angelo , Cooke, Kaitlyn
Institution: Manhattan College
EPA Project Officer: Harper, Jacquelyn
Phase: I
Project Period: July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023 (Extended to June 30, 2024)
Project Amount: $25,000
RFA: 18th Annual P3 Awards: A National Student Design Competition Focusing on People, Prosperity and the Planet (2021) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: P3 Awards , P3 Challenge Area - Sustainable and Healthy Communities
Description:
The amount of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) that can be recycled back into new asphalt pavements is limited due to potential durability issues. The RAP that is not used to construct new pavements needs to be stockpiled or disposed of in landfills, which is an environmental concern. The development of cost effective and environmentally friendly recycling agents allows more RAP to be added into new asphalt pavements. The recycling agent softens the asphalt binder on the RAP particles and rejuvenates it by reversing the harmful effects of oxidation. The construction of asphalt pavements with high RAP contents is not prevalent in the United States because of the lack of knowledge and expertise related to recycling agents. The objective of this project is to develop and demonstrate the effectiveness of environmentally benign recycling agents. This will lead to an increase in the amount of RAP which is recycled and reduce the dependency on virgin materials. The benefits to people will include 1) less RAP being stored in landfills, 2) a more sustainable transportation infrastructure system, 3) a decreased cost for the construction of new roads, and 4) improved air quality due to a reduction in the emissions from transporting virgin asphalt binder and aggregate.
Objective:
This project will investigate and develop new materials that can be used as recycling agent. An emphasis will be placed on environmentally benign recycling agents that are themselves made from recycled materials or are otherwise sustainable. Examples of potential materials include oil produced from spent coffee grounds and camelina sativa oil. The recycling agents will be evaluated on their 1) ability to rejuvenate the asphalt binder, 2) cost effectiveness, and 3) environmental footprint. This project embodies the P3 approach by increasing the sustainability of asphalt pavements and providing environmental, economic, and social benefits. This project will be used as a case study within the environmental science program at Manhattan College as a demonstration of green chemistry and environmentally sustainable engineering.
Expected Results:
The expected outcome of this project will be the development of one or more environmentally benign recycling agents that can be used to create asphalt pavements with high RAP contents. These recycling agents will be evaluated on their ability to successful rejuvenate oxidized asphalt binder. Their effectiveness will be further demonstrated by the creation of asphalt mixtures containing high RAP contents that successfully pass various performance tests.
This project will 1) reduce the amount of solid waste (reclaimed asphalt pavement) that is disposed of in landfills, 2) decrease emissions from the transportation of virgin asphalt binder and aggregate, and 3) reduce the use of petroleum based recycling agents that are not environmentally friendly.
Publications and Presentations:
Publications have been submitted on this project: View all 3 publications for this projectSupplemental Keywords:
sustainable infrastructure, recycled materials, sustainable construction materials, environmentally benign substitute, green chemistryProgress and Final Reports:
The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.