The use of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) offers significant sustainability benefits in asphalt production. However, current Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) specifications limit RAP content in high modulus asphalt (EME2) mixes to 15%, presenting an opportunity to increase the use of recycled materials. This multiyear project investigated the potential to increase RAP content in EME2 mixes to 40%, drawing on French practices and evaluating suitable RAP binder testing criteria for Australian conditions. Laboratory testing examined binder extraction methods and relationships between key binder properties, identifying strong correlations that could support revised specifications. Based on the findings, the project recommends that TMR consider adopting a maximum RAP binder complex viscosity of 15.5 MPa.s at 25 °C and 1 rad/s for EME2 mixes containing up to 40% RAP. The findings provide a foundation for increasing RAP content in EME2 mixes, supporting more sustainable asphalt production and greater use of recycled materials in Queensland's road infrastructure.
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