Cement Stabilization of Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement

Aggregate for Road Bases and Subbases

Ramzi Taha, A.M.ASCE1; Ali Al-Harthy2; Khalid Al-Shamsi3; and Muamer Al-Zubeidi4

Abstract: Pavement rehabilitation and reconstruction generates large quantities of reclaimed asphalt pavement 共RAP兲 aggregate, and
recycling into new asphalt paving mixtures is the predominant application. RAP acceptance in road bases and subbases has been limited,
because of the lack of laboratory and field performance data. In the Sultanate of Oman, recycling of pavement materials is not practiced.
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A previous study conducted at Sultan Qaboos Univ. indicated that RAP-virgin aggregate mixtures could be utilized in the subbase layer
rather than in the base course. This paper presents the results of a laboratory evaluation of cement stabilized RAP and RAP-virgin
aggregate blends as base materials. Compaction and unconfined compressive strength tests were conducted on the following RAP/virgin
aggregate mixtures: 100/0, 90/10, 80/20, 70/30, and 0/100%. Samples were prepared using 0, 3, 5, and 7% Type I portland cement and
were cured for 3, 7, and 28 days in plastic bags at room temperature. A pavement design analysis of using various cement stabilized
RAP-virgin aggregate mixtures as base materials was also undertaken. Results indicate that the optimum moisture content, maximum dry
density, and strength of RAP will generally increase with the addition of virgin aggregate and cement. Longer curing periods will yield
higher strength results. The ability of RAP aggregate to function as a structural component of the pavement is more pronounced when it
is stabilized with cement rather than when blending with only virgin aggregate. A 100% RAP aggregate should not be recommended for
use as a base material unless stabilized with cement. Cement stabilized RAP-virgin aggregate mixtures seem to be a viable alternative to
dense-graded aggregate used in road base construction.
DOI: 10.1061/共ASCE兲0899-1561共2002兲14:3共239兲
CE Database keywords: Asphalt pavements; Aggregates; Cement; Recycling.

Introduction In the Sultanate of Oman, recycling of pavement materials is

Recycling of pavement materials has become a viable alternative
in road maintenance and rehabilitation. Conservation of re-
sources, preservation of the environment, and retention of exist-
ing geometrics are some of the benefits obtained by reusing pave-
ment materials. In the U.S., more than 50 million tons 共45.36
million Mg兲 of asphalt paving mixtures are milled annually and
the majority is recycled into new asphalt mixtures 共Collins and
Ciesielski 1994兲. However, large quantities of reclaimed asphalt
pavement 共RAP兲 aggregate remain unutilized and further uses
should be explored.
1
Associate Professor, Dept. of Civil Engineering, College of Eng-
ineering, Sultan Qaboos Univ., P.O. Box 33, Al-Khod, PC 123, Sultanate
of Oman. E-mail: rtaha@squ.edu.om
2
Assistant Professor, Dept. of Civil Engineering, College of Engineer-
ing, Sultan Qaboos Univ., P.O. Box 33, Al-Khod, PC 123, Sultanate of
Oman.
3 The results of a laboratory study conducted at Sultan Qaboos
Assistant Lecturer, Dept. of Civil Engineering, College of Engineer-
ing, Sultan Qaboos Univ., P.O. Box 33, Al-Khod, PC 123, Sultanate of
Oman.
4
Undergraduate Student, Dept. of Civil Engineering, College of
Engineering, Sultan Qaboos Univ., P.O. Box 33, Al-Khod, PC 123, Sul-
tanate of Oman.
Note. Associate Editor: David A. Lange. Discussion open until No-
vember 1, 2002. Separate discussions must be submitted for individual
papers. To extend the closing date by one month, a written request must
be filed with the ASCE Managing Editor. The manuscript for this paper
was submitted for review and possible publication on April 19, 2000;
approved on March 26, 2001 . This paper is part of the Journal of
Materials in Civil Engineering, Vol. 14, No. 3, June 1, 2002. ©ASCE,
ISSN 0899-1561/2002/3-239–245/$8.00⫹$.50 per page.
not practiced. However, in 1995, the Ministry of Communication
tested the recycling of old asphalt materials as a base layer
共Mousa 1999兲. Milled asphalt from the rehabilitation of the Bati-
nah Highway project was utilized to construct Qasf-Al-Ghezayn
Road, about 12 km long. Typical sections of this road consisted of
70-mm thick milled asphalt on top of a subbase layer with a
single surface treatment finish. This road carries a relatively low
traffic volume. Compaction of the cold mill layer was made by
vibrating and pneumatic tire-rollers. Initial assessment indicated
satisfactory performance and cost-effectiveness. However, defects
in the form of localized transverse undulations and corrugations,
as well as longitudinal corrugations and other depressions, were
noticed 2 months after construction. The corrugations were attrib-
uted to the lack of binding properties in the asphalt and/or the
temperature during placement and compaction of the mix. Other
causes might have not been identified due to the lack of experi-
ence in recycling milled asphalt.
Univ. indicated that RAP aggregate could be expected to replace
virgin aggregate in road subbases if RAP is mixed with other
virgin aggregates 共Taha et al. 1999兲. However, minimal use of
RAP 共only 10%兲 could be utilized in road base construction. Gen-
erally, higher dry density and California bearing ratio 共CBR兲 val-
ues are obtained as virgin aggregate content is increased.
Laboratory and field evaluations of the use of RAP in road
base and subbase applications were conducted by Rutgers
Univ. 共Maher and Popp 1997兲. Results of this study showed that
RAP has a slightly higher resilient modulus and field elastic
modulus than the dense-graded aggregate used in the State of
New Jersey.

JOURNAL OF MATERIALS IN CIVIL ENGINEERING / MAY/JUNE 2002 / 239

J. Mater. Civ. Eng., 2002, 14(3): 239-245

 RAP base potential was also evaluated by constructing the
Lincoln Avenue demonstration project in 1993 in Urbana, Ill.
共Garg and Thompson 1996兲. Laboratory and field experiences in-
dicated that RAP could be successfully used as a conventional
base material. Field performance was comparable to that of a
crushed stone base.
Another study evaluated the use of RAP as a base material for
paved shoulders 共Sayed et al. 1993兲. Results indicated that RAP is
a well-graded material, and its maximum dry density is compa-
rable to those of other conventional granular materials. However,
the optimum moisture content for RAP was much lower than that
of conventional granular materials. The use of RAP base in con-
structing paved shoulders was found to be an economically and
technically feasible alternative to traditional limerock used in
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Florida.
Objectives
The main objective of this research study was to investigate the
potential use of Type I portland cement with RAP-virgin aggre-
gate mixtures in road base construction in the Sultanate of Oman.
Two specific tasks were
1. Conduct compaction and unconfined compressive strength
testing; and
2. Perform a pavement design analysis.
Materials
Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP)
RAP aggregate was collected in six 55-gal. 共208.2 L兲 drums from
an old section of the Batinah Highway that was under major
Fig. 1. Particle size distribution for reclaimed asphalt pavement 共RAP兲 and Virgin aggregates
240 / JOURNAL OF MATERIALS IN CIVIL ENGINEERING / MAY/JUNE 2002
J. Mater. Civ. Eng., 2002, 14(3): 239-245
rehabilitation. A cold milling machine was used to remove the
asphalt pavement. Rotary extraction of the milled RAP
共AASHTO T164, Method A兲 indicated an average bitumen con-
tent of 5.5% by weight of the mix. Recovered asphalt type was
penetration grade 60–70.
In the Sultanate of Oman, a Class B dense-graded asphalt con-
crete is generally specified as a wearing course, and one asphalt
binder type 共penetration grade 60–70兲 is always used. Aggregates
can be either crushed rock or crushed gravel. Thus, RAP and
virgin-aggregate compositions are essentially the same, and not
much variability in aggregate properties should be anticipated in
various regions of the country.
Virgin Aggregate
Virgin aggregate was collected in four 55-gal. 共208.2 L兲 drums
from the Batinah Highway project. Aggregate used was primarily
crushed rock.
Portland Cement
Type I portland cement was used in the testing program. It was
obtained from Oman Cement Company in Al-Rusayl industrial
area.
Experimental Investigation
The main testing program included
• Physical characterization of both RAP and virgin aggregates,
• Compaction testing with modified proctor, and
• Unconfined compressive strength testing.
 Table 1. Physical Properties of Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement and is to air dry the RAP aggregate for 24 h, and then short intervals
Virgin Aggregates of oven drying should be applied.
Property Reclaimed asphalt pavement Virgin aggregate The sand equivalent test 共AASHTO T176兲 values for RAP and
virgin aggregates were 97 and 67%, respectively. Such values met
Moisture content 共%兲 0.23 0.86
the Omani standard specification requirement of a minimum of
Specific gravity 共SSD兲 2.12 NDa
50% for road bases and asphalt concrete mixtures. The Los An-
Water absorption 共%兲 1.0 NDa
geles abrasion test 共AASHTO T96兲 values for RAP and virgin
Sand equivalent 共%兲 97 67
aggregates were 33.6 and 18.8%, respectively. The Omani stan-
Los Angles abrasion 共%兲 33.6 18.8
dard specification requirement for the Los Angeles abrasion test is
a
Not determined. a maximum value of 50% for dense-graded base courses.

Physical Properties
Compaction Testing
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Various laboratory tests were conducted to determine the physical

properties of RAP and virgin aggregates. These tests included
gradation, Atterberg limits, moisture content, specific gravity,
water absorption, sand equivalent, and toughness 共Taha et al.
1999兲.
Gradation
Sieve analyses were performed on RAP and virgin aggregates in
accordance with AASHTO T27 共Fig. 1兲. RAP was generally clas-
sified as well-graded gravel 共GW兲. The uniformity coefficient
(Cu) was 6, and the coefficient of curvature (Cc) was 1.5. The
virgin aggregate was a mixture of well-graded sands and gravelly
sands with little or no fines 共SW兲. The uniformity coefficient was
15, and the coefficient of curvature was 1.
Sample Preparation
Various blends were prepared using 0, 3, 5, and 7% Type I port-
land cement 共by dry weight of the aggregate兲 with 100/0, 90/10,
80/20, 70/30, and 0/100% RAP to virgin aggregates.
The compaction test was performed by the modified proctor
testing procedure 共AASHTO T180, Method C兲. The mold dimen-
sions were 102 mm in diameter by 127 mm in height. The ham-
mer weight was 4.5 kg, and it had a free-fall distance of 457 mm.
The RAP and virgin aggregates were air dried for 48 h to remove
any moisture. All particle sizes greater than 19 mm were rejected
from the mix. Each mix was compacted in five layers with 25
blows per layer.

Atterberg Limits Test Results

The liquid limit test was performed in accordance with AASHTO
T89 共cup method兲. The liquid limit of RAP aggregate was 8, and
it was essentially nonplastic. The Omani specifications for a base
course are a maximum liquid limit of 25% and a maximum plas-
ticity index of 6%. Similarly, the virgin aggregate was character-
ized as being nonplastic.
Other Physical Properties
Table 1 presents a summary of the moisture content, specific
gravity, water absorption, sand equivalent, and toughness data
obtained on RAP and virgin aggregates.
A temperature of 110°C was used to determine the free mois-
ture in RAP. The water content was ⬍0.5% indicating the pres-
ence of little or no moisture. Because of the asphalt cement
present in RAP aggregate, the material appeared to adhere to the
drying pan. No moisture was detected in the RAP aggregate after
it was dried at room temperature for 48 h. Thus, the best method
Figs. 2共a–e兲 indicate the relationship between dry density and
moisture content for all mixes. A summary of the optimum mois-
ture content and maximum dry density values are presented in
Table 2. The data indicate that as cement content increases for
each mixture, the optimum moisture content and maximum dry
density values will slightly increase. Similarly, maximum dry
density will increase as more virgin aggregate is added to RAP.
RAP aggregates differ from conventional aggregates. The
moisture content-density relationship for 100% RAP 关Fig. 2共a兲兴
shows a distinctive peak for optimum moisture content. The den-
sity quickly drops off at moisture values in excess of optimum.
During compaction, the larger RAP aggregate sizes were broken
up. Also, the higher RAP aggregate content samples that were
compacted at lower moisture contents would not remain intact
upon removal from the mold. The addition of more virgin aggre-
gate and cement made compaction and handling much easier.
Because RAP aggregate is highly permeable, the water was
draining out at the bottom of the mold while the fifth layer was

Table 2. Optimum Moisture Content and Maximum Dry Density Results for All Blends
100% RAPa 90% RAPa 80% RAPa 70% RAPa 100% virgin aggregate
Percent OMC b
Max ␦ d OMC b
Max ␦ d OMC b
Max ␦ d OMC b
Max ␦ d OMCb Max ␦ d
cement 共%兲 共g/cm3兲 共%兲 共g/cm3兲 共%兲 共g/cm3兲 共%兲 共g/cm3兲 共%兲 共g/cm3兲
0 7.0 1.885 7.2 1.937 8.0 1.952 8.2 2.174 5.7 2.250
3 7.8 1.921 8.0 1.988 8.2 2.060 8.6 2.187 6.0 2.313
5 8.2 1.993 8.8 2.056 8.4 2.104 8.8 2.238 6.4 2.381
7 8.5 2.014 9.0 2.096 9.0 2.116 9.1 2.246 7.4 2.387
a
Reclaimed asphalt pavement.
b
Optimum moisture content.

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J. Mater. Civ. Eng., 2002, 14(3): 239-245

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Fig. 2. Moisture-dry density test results

being compacted. This could be partially attributed to the open-
graded nature of the RAP aggregate. The moisture-holding capa-
bility of RAP is negligible, because there is little minus No. 200
fraction, and most RAP aggregates are coated with asphalt. Thus,
in field applications, the addition of virgin aggregate and cement
would make it much easier to compact RAP as a base or subbase
material.
Unconfined Compressive Strength Testing
Sample preparation and compaction for unconfined compressive
strength testing were similar to the above section on ‘‘sample
preparation.’’ However, for strength-based tests, duplicate
samples were prepared for each mixture. Samples were cured for
3, 7, and 28 days in sealed plastic bags at room temperature.
The test was performed in accordance with ASTM D1633
using a 100 kN DARTEC machine with a loading rate of 0.5
kN/s. Figs. 3共a–e兲 show the unconfined compressive strength
results obtained from the test. The data indicate that as virgin
aggregate and cement contents in the blend increase, the
strength value increases. Also, longer curing periods will increase
strength.
In an earlier study 共Taha et al. 1999兲, it was established that
the addition of virgin aggregate to RAP would increase the CBR
value. Possible reasons for this increase in CBR may be due to

242 / JOURNAL OF MATERIALS IN CIVIL ENGINEERING / MAY/JUNE 2002

J. Mater. Civ. Eng., 2002, 14(3): 239-245

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Fig. 3. Unconfined compressive strength test results

better load transfer between particles of the virgin aggregate and
the slip surfaces developed between the asphalt-coated particles
of the RAP. Furthermore, as virgin aggregate content in the blend
increases, better interlocking between aggregate particles will de-
velop. This will lead to further increases in the shear strength of
the blend.
Pavement Design Analysis
Design Parameters
A pavement design analysis using cement stabilized RAP-virgin
aggregate blends was considered. A typical pavement cross sec-
tion would consist of an asphalt concrete surface, a base, a sub-
base, and a subgrade. The pavement was designed for the condi-
tions presented in Table 3. The surface, subbase, and subgrade
properties were constant in the analysis 共Table 4兲. Only base ma-
terial properties were varied. The resilient modulus and layer co-
efficient values for the base layer are listed in Table 5. No modu-
lus laboratory tests were conducted, and the layer coefficient
charts included in the AASHTO guide for design of pavement
structures 共1993兲 were used as a reference in obtaining these val-
ues. The addition of cement to RAP has a more pronounced effect
on the resilient modulus and layer coefficient values than with the
addition of only virgin aggregate 共Table 5兲.

JOURNAL OF MATERIALS IN CIVIL ENGINEERING / MAY/JUNE 2002 / 243

J. Mater. Civ. Eng., 2002, 14(3): 239-245

 Table 3. Flexible Pavement Design Conditions Table 5. Pavement Base Layer Characteristics
Category Condition Properties
Pavement type Major city streets and thoroughfares Resilient modulus Layer
and country highways (M r ), MPa coefficient
Total equivalent 18-kip 2,028,404 Base material (a 2 )
single axle loads 共ESAL18-kip兲 100% virgin aggregate ⫹0% cement 207 0.14
Analysis period 30 years ⫹3% cement 4,209 0.16
Design period 20 years ⫹5% cement 5,382 0.21
Initial pavement serviceability 4.2 ⫹7% cement 5,865 0.23
index ( P 0 )
100% RAPa ⫹0% cement 96 0.06
Terminal pavement serviceability 2.5
⫹3% cement 3,381 0.11
index ( P t )
⫹5% cement 3,519 0.12
Reliability 共R兲 90%
⫹7% cement 3,726 0.13
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Overall standard deviation (S 0 ) 0.35

90% RAPa ⫹0% cement 106 0.07
⫹3% cement 3,450 0.12
Results ⫹5% cement 3,588 0.13
⫹7% cement 3,726 0.13
The results of the pavement design analysis obtained on the vari-
ous mixtures are summarized in Table 6. Main observations de- 80% RAPa ⫹0% cement 117 0.08
rived from this analysis include ⫹3% cement 3,588 0.13
• All RAP-virgin aggregate blends with no cement 共exception is ⫹5% cement 3,657 0.13
100% virgin aggregate兲 yielded impractical low base thick- ⫹7% cement 3,933 0.14
nesses. This confirms the conclusion obtained from a previous
70% RAPa ⫹0% cement 131 0.09
study 共Taha et al. 1999兲 that a minimal use of RAP alone is
⫹3% cement 3,588 0.13
expected in the base structure;
⫹5% cement 3,795 0.14
• For all RAP-virgin aggregate blends with no cement, a higher
⫹7% cement 4,002 0.15
RAP content usage in the base structure will require a higher
surface thickness to protect the weak granular base. As the Note: Drainage factor (m 2 ) used for the base was assumed to be 1.0.
a
data indicate 共Table 6兲, when using 100/0, 90/10, 80/20, and Reclaimed asphalt pavement.
70/30% RAP/virgin aggregate blends, the increases in surface
thicknesses are 40, 30, 30, and 20%, respectively when com-
pared with a 100% virgin aggregate granular base;
• Generally, as more cement is used in the base structure 共for
each blend兲, a slightly lower base thickness will be required;
• For all RAP-virgin aggregate mixtures stabilized with cement,
a higher base thickness will be needed as more RAP is used.
Table 6. Results of Pavement Design Analysis
This effect is more pronounced at lower cement contents 共3%兲
and higher RAP contents 共100 and 90%兲; and Thickness 共mm兲
• The use of 100% RAP stabilized with either 3, 5, or 7% ce- Base material Surface Base Subbase
ment may prove to be economical in comparison with using
100% virgin aggregate with no cement. Table 6 indicates that 100% virgin aggregate ⫹0% cement 127 127 114
it is possible to reduce surface thickness by 50 mm when using ⫹3% cement 76 241 114
cement with 100% RAP. As of now, RAP aggregate has a zero ⫹5% cement 76 191 114
monetary value in Oman. A detailed cost analysis was beyond ⫹7% cement 76 165 114
the scope of this study. 100% RAPa ⫹0% cement 178 0 89
⫹3% cement 76 343 114
⫹5% cement 76 318 114
Conclusions ⫹7% cement 76 292 114

Five different RAP-virgin aggregate mixtures stabilized with 0, 3, 90% RAPa ⫹0% cement 165 13 114
5, and 7% Type I portland cement were evaluated for use in road ⫹3% cement 76 318 114
base construction. A pavement design analysis was also per- ⫹5% cement 76 292 114
formed on these mixtures. ⫹7% cement 76 292 114
80% RAPa ⫹0% cement 165 51 114
⫹3% cement 76 292 114
Table 4. Pavement Layers Characteristics ⫹5% cement 76 292 114
Properties/layer Surface Subbase Subgrade ⫹7% cement 76 280 114
Resilient modulus M r , MPa 2,760 103.5 69 70% RAPa ⫹0% cement 152 76 114
Layer coefficient (a 1 ) 0.42 0.11 NAa ⫹3% cement 76 292 114
Drainage factor (m 1 ) NAa 1.0 NAa ⫹5% cement 76 280 114
a a
Not applicable. Reclaimed asphalt pavement.

244 / JOURNAL OF MATERIALS IN CIVIL ENGINEERING / MAY/JUNE 2002

J. Mater. Civ. Eng., 2002, 14(3): 239-245

 The results of the study warrant the following conclusions:
• The optimum moisture content, maximum dry density, and
unconfined compressive strength will generally increase as vir-
gin aggregate and cement contents increase;
• A 100% RAP aggregate could be successfully utilized as a
conventional base material if stabilized with cement;
• The ability of RAP aggregate to function as a pavement struc-
tural component is more pronounced when it is stabilized with
cement rather than when blending the RAP with only virgin
aggregate; and
• RAP aggregate seems to be a viable alternative to dense-
graded aggregate used in road base and subbase construction.
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References
AASHTO guide for design of pavement structures. 共1993兲. American As-
sociation of State Highway and Transportation Officials, Washington,
D.C.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS IN CIVIL ENGINEERING / MAY/JUNE 2002 / 245
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Garg, N., and Thompson, M. R. 共1996兲. ‘‘Lincoln Avenue reclaimed as-
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Maher, M. H., and Popp, W., Jr., 共1997兲. ‘‘Recycled asphalt pavement as
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