The variables of using RAS in RAP

Many variables – including the grade of hot-mix asphalt produced, the cost for virgin liquid asphalt and alternative aggregates, landfill tipping fees, and the capital cost of equipment, as well as acquisition, processing, and handling expenses–come into play when estimating possible cost savings of using recycled asphalt shingles (RAS) in recycled asphalt pavement (RAP), according to ShingleRecycling.org.

“Savings are relative, and largely relate to the price of liquid asphalt cement (AC),” according to a National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA) report, based on a series of presentations at NAPA’s seminar Reclaimed/Reprocessed Materials in Hot-Mix Asphalt. Written by C. Jackie Williams, the article, Interest Mounts in Recycled Roofing Shingles: As Savings Accrue to Producers, Landfill Space is Saved, indicates that if the price of liquid AC is high, shingles offer a greater potential for savings, according to the online resource.