Sustainable, greener and safer asphalt pavements considerations under tropical conditions

Abstract

Purpose

The main aim of this paper was to investigate the possibility of obtaining green sustainable asphalt mixes by using two different recycled materials: reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) and crumb rubber (CR) from scrap tyres. With the numerous environmental and social benefits brought about, the use of modified hot mix asphalt and warm mix asphalt (WMA) mixtures should be the focal point of the construction policies in developing countries. Adaptation of this solution would result in an economical and sustainable green pavement with high resilience and safer workspace area with less fumes and odours for asphalt workers.

Design/methodology/approach

Experimental work-testing one control mix and modified design mixes, which have been modified either by RAP, CR, a WMA additive or any combination of the latter three products.

Findings

From the different test results, it can be rightly concluded that the addition of CR and RAP do enhance the properties of asphalt mixes to a varying degree. While CR adds a certain flexibility to the mixes and reduces the voids present, the presence of RAP has an amplified effect on stability, especially when coupled with rubberised WMA.

Research limitations/implications

Marshall method still used as opposed to Superpave method in developing countries (Mauritius, Jordan here in).

Originality/value

A study for Tropical Island and its uniqueness to add to present knowledge.

Citation

Rughooputh, R., Qasrawi, H. and Veeramah, A. (2025), "Sustainable, greener and safer asphalt pavements considerations under tropical conditions", International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJBPA-12-2023-0182