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Mar 71 min read

It's a RAP: Pioneering Sustainability in Road Construction

Updated: Mar 9



In a significant move towards sustainable construction, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is investing $10 million into a project inspired by the research of civil engineering professor Albert Bleakley. This initiative focuses on Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP), a byproduct of road repairs that has been underused due to technical limitations.




 

Bleakley's research presents an innovative solution to these challenges. The proposed method involves blending millings with specific base materials or integrating certain chemicals to reduce the rutting of pavement, thus making more efficient use of RAP.


This new approach aims to address the issue of excess RAP stockpiles and decrease reliance on natural resources like lime rock, paving the way for more sustainable road construction.FDOT plans to implement this research on State Road 301 near Stark, where they will conduct a multi-section road test to assess the performance of millings mixed with lime rock base. This five-year evaluation will be succeeded by a further $10 million test to examine RAP blended with cement and asphalt emulsions.


Blacklidge Emulsions hopes that their ReCharge products will contribute positively to the FDOT road tests, underscoring the industry's dedication to sustainable solutions.

Should this method prove successful, it could improve pavement performance and provide a sustainable solution to managing the 45 million tons of RAP produced annually in the U.S. The potential economic and environmental benefits could revolutionize the road construction industry.



Professor Bleakley's innovative research, FDOT's commitment, and Blacklidge Emulsions' contribution could set the stage for a more sustainable and circular road construction process. It's certainly a RAP!



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