A real case application of a graphene-enhanced polymeric compound using RAP and steel slag sand in sustainable pavements

The depletion of virgin aggregates and the environmental impacts of Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) production, particularly in high temperatures and greenhouse gas emissions, have induced significant interest in more sustainable pavement materials. Among the most widely adopted strategies is the incorporation of Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP), a recycled material derived from milled road surfaces. This study presents a real case application of an innovative HMA mixture designed with sustainability in mind, including RAP, steel slag sand, and a graphene-enhanced polymeric compound incorporating recycled plastics. Applied in both the surface and binder layers of the access road to the paddock area of the Imola “Enzo and Dino Ferrari” racetrack, this asphalt blend reduces reliance on natural resources while maintaining performance standards. The mechanical properties and skid resistance of the mixture were evaluated, demonstrating compliance with technical requirements for durability and safety. Additionally, an estimation of the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) was conducted to assess the environmental impacts associated with material production. This case study underlines the potential of combining innovative materials and recycling strategies to support sustainable and durable road infrastructure; in laboratory tests, improved pavement stiffness was assessed. The results were compared with technical standard requirements for road infrastructure and confirmed the mixture’s suitability for practical use. Furthermore, the surface pavement was monitored over time to observe its behaviour under heavy traffic loads, providing valuable insight into its long-term performance in real operating conditions.