Study of WMA Containing RAP Performances: Laboratory Versus Plant Production Case Study

The chapter addresses the characterization of the initial performance of a Warm Mix Asphalt (WMA) containing reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) used to rehabilitate the bypass road RN 171 near Bouvron, France, in 2019. A comparison between the mechanical performances of the mixes manufactured in laboratory versus field production is presented. This chapter also explores the comparison between Rolling Thin Film Oven Test (RTFOT) aging of virgin bitumen and the use of blending law to estimate the bituminous mix binder properties. Additionally, a novel process of sequenced binder recovery is introduced, allowing for the qualification of the homogeneity of the WMA binder. Based on the sequenced binder recovery results, it can be concluded that mixture produced in the plant is homogeneous (exhibiting a constant carbonyl index) in contrast to the laboratory production.