Effect of Using RAP on Gravel Roads

Recycled Asphalt Pavement (RAP) has been used in several construction applications, including blending of RAP with virgin aggregates in gravel roads. RAP is intended to reduce costs and offer environmental benefits through reduced consumption of natural aggregates, while adding cohesion, which can add strength and bind particles to reduce raveling and loss of aggregate. RAP can also reduce the permeability of the surface course by decreasing the void volume, which may have beneficial effects of reducing dust loss and creating a tighter particle packing that aids stability. However, the beneficial effects of RAP may decrease over time as the oils in the RAP dry out. Furthermore, RAP can make blading operations more difficult as the material adheres to the moldboard in hot weather or becomes hard and brittle in cold weather. The objective of this study is to help agencies better understand the potential advantages and disadvantages of using RAP in gravel roads by synthesizing the existing research, surveying local Minnesota agencies, performing field and laboratory tests on new and existing sections of gravel roads containing RAP, and conducting a life-cycle cost analysis (LCCA).

• Record URL:
  • https://researchprojects.dot.state.mn.us/projectpages/details?id=31857&type=CONTRACT

Language

• English

Project

• Status: Active
• Funding: $104,864.32
• Contract Numbers:

  1062466

• Sponsor Organizations:

  Local Road Research Board

  395 John Ireland Boulevard
  St. Paul, Minnesota  United States  55155-1899
• Managing Organizations:

  MnDOT Research & Innovation

  Minnesota Department of Transportation
  395 John Ireland Blvd
  St. Paul, Minnesota  United States  55155
• Performing Organizations:

  Iowa State University

  Ames, Iowa  United States  50010
• Principal Investigators:

  Ashlock, Jeramy

  Ceylan, Halil

• Start Date: 20260626
• Expected Completion Date: 20280630
• Actual Completion Date: 0

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Asphalt content; Gravel roads; Life cycle costing; Reclaimed asphalt pavements; Recycled materials
• Geographic Terms: Minnesota
• Subject Areas: Highways; Materials; Pavements;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01994723
• Record Type: Research project
• Source Agency: Minnesota Department of Transportation
• Contract Numbers: 1062466
• Files: RIP, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Jun 30 2026 3:25PM