This research addresses a significant gap in understanding the relationships between the chemical and functional properties of aged binders in RAP-containing asphalt mixes and their corresponding mechanical properties at low and high temperatures. The primary objective is to investigate how various percentages of Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP)—specifically 0 %, 25 %, and 50 %—affect the performance of bitumen and asphalt mixtures. Dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) and bending beam rheometer (BBR) tests were leveraged to evaluate the rheological properties and temperature susceptibility of the bitumen binders, while chromatography fractionation using the SARA (Saturates, Aromatics, Resins, and Asphaltenes) method provided insights into the chemical composition of the binders with varying RAP contents and rejuvenators. Hamburg wheel track test was conducted to measure rutting resistance at high temperatures, and three-point bending tests assessed resistance to cracking at low temperatures. The results demonstrated that higher RAP content, combined with appropriate rejuvenators, improved resistance to rutting and maintained satisfactory performance against low-temperature cracking, suggesting that RAP, when properly processed, can enhance the durability and longevity of asphalt mixtures. This research established correlations between the functional parameters of bitumen and the mechanical properties of RAP-containing asphalt mixtures, facilitating rapid estimation of resistance to rutting and low-temperature cracking in hot recycling projects.
