Efecto del polvo de caucho en mezclas asfálticas recicladas

Abstract

In a context where sustainability and waste management are imperative for the construction and road engineering industry, the importance of finding innovative solutions is highlighted. The recyclability of materials and the search for methods to improve the properties of asphalt mixtures have led to special interest in rubber powder. This component, when integrated into the mixtures, not only addresses tire waste management, but also seeks to improve the mechanical and environmental properties of roads. This study investigates the role of rubber dust derived from recycled tires in improving asphalt mixtures containing recycled and natural aggregates. The importance of sieving the milled asphalt is highlighted to facilitate the handling of the components during the preparation of the mixture. It follows that the rubber powder must be at the same temperature as the recycled aggregates before incorporation. The importance of careful selection of the particle size of the rubber powder is highlighted, showing that diameters greater than 0.6 mm affect the adhesion with the aggregates and harm the compactness of the mixture. It is confirmed that rubber powder acts as a modifier of asphalt rheology, improving the resilience and flexibility of the pavement, resulting in a reduction in fatigue and cracks generated by aging. The study reveals that the rubber powder should be incorporated into the mixture when it is already agglutinated and ready for compaction, adding it slowly and ensuring good adhesion between the materials. The results show that rubber powder, when used correctly, can be a beneficial component in improving the mechanical and environmental properties of recycled asphalt mixtures.