Performance and environmental analysis of Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) concrete produced in industrial environment

This study aims at evaluating the performances of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) as concrete aggregate replacement in terms of mechanical and physical properties and environmental analysis. RAP concrete production was scaled up and it occurred in an industrial environment (CTI, Imola, Italy) by preparing a 3.5 m3 concrete casting. A partial aggregate replacement of 40% of RAP was fixed to ensure acceptable workability and mechanical performance. For comparison’s sake, the same concrete mix with 100% natural aggregates was also tested. Concrete performances in terms of mechanical and physical properties were checked initially after 7 and 28 days of curing. Environmental analysis of RAP concrete was also carried out using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) analysis applying a “cradle-to-gate” approach. All the realistic input data collected from the industry plant were considered. Durability tests are ongoing and freezing-thawing resistance and exposure to salt spray chamber on unreinforced and reinforced concrete specimens will be evaluated. As main outcomes, even if inferior mechanical properties were obtained in terms of compressive, tensile strength and elastic modulus values, a relevant reduction (average value of 15%) of environmental impacts was found especially related to global warming potential, terrestrial ecotoxicity, human non- carcinogenic toxicity and fossil resource scarcity. This study is set in the framework of “Sustainable concrete made with recycled asphalt pavement (RAPCON)” project (2020–2023), funded by Cariplo Foundation under the “Circular Economy for a sustainable future” call (2019).