A pavement full-depth reclamation case study using cold in situ recycling with foamed bitumen

Abstract

This study aims to assess the full-depth reclamation of a distressed pavement using in situ recycling with foamed bitumen. It is not widely used due to the need for specific equipment not always available. However, it presents several advantages compared to emulsion or cement-based recycling solutions. It can be open to traffic more rapidly and does not present shrinkage problems. Thus, constructing a pavement section with this technology in Portugal was a unique opportunity to study sustainable pavement rehabilitation. This technology is a solution aligned with the circular economy action plan by reducing the consumption of new materials, avoiding the production of wastes, and assuring a sound pavement performance. However, the recycled material must be overlaid with one or two hot mix layers to comply with the functional and structural performance specifications.