What is the principal advantage of using recycled pavement materials?

The principal advantage of using recycled pavement materials is the reduction in the demand for virgin materials. Recycling existing pavement reduces the need to extract, process, and transport new aggregates and asphalt binder, conserving natural resources and reducing the environmental impact associated with these activities. This reduction in demand also lowers the cost of pavement construction and maintenance, as recycled materials are often less expensive than virgin materials. Common recycled pavement materials include Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) and Recycled Concrete Aggregate (RCA). RAP is produced by milling or removing existing asphalt pavements and crushing them into a usable aggregate. RCA is produced by crushing and processing concrete pavements. The use of these materials not only reduces the demand for virgin materials but also diverts waste from landfills, further reducing environmental impact. The savings on virgin materials, transport, and landfill fees can significantly lower the overall cost of pavement projects while promoting sustainability.