Sripath’s Vince Aurilio Presents in High-RAP Webinar Series with ORBA 

The Ontario Road Builders Association (ORBA) recently hosted the first webinar session in its High-RAP Live Series, bringing together leaders from across the asphalt industry to discuss challenges and breakthroughs in high-RAP mixes. The introductory program was designed to highlight the role of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) in developing more sustainable roadways and to provide a foundation for producers and agencies looking to increase the percentage of RAP typically incorporated into their mix designs.  

Vince Aurilio, Senior Technical Director at Sripath Technologies, participated as one of the key panelists for the session. Aurilio brought a wealth of expertise on the role of rejuvenators and innovative additives that can make high-RAP asphalt practical, high-performing, environmentally friendly, and cost effective.  

The Challenge of High-RAP Asphalt 

Reclaimed asphalt pavement is one of the most recycled construction materials in the world. RAP offers tremendous environmental and economic benefits by reducing the need for virgin aggregates and binders while diverting waste from landfills. However, widespread adoption has been slow in some regions.  

This hesitancy often centers around concerns regarding long-term performance outcomes for roadways with high amounts of RAP in the mix design. The binder in RAP is stiff and brittle as it oxidizes over time on the roadway. Inclusion of such RAP in the mix, without treatment, can compromise pavement flexibility and lead to cracking. Agencies and contractors are looking for assurance that higher RAP percentages will not come at the expense of performance and durability. 

The Role of Asphalt Rejuvenators in High-RAP Mixes 

During the panel, Aurilio explained that asphalt rejuvenators are the key to restoring the functional properties of aged binder in RAP material. These additives adjust binder rheology, improving flexibility without sacrificing properties and durability. 

Aurilio emphasized that not all asphalt rejuvenators are created equal. Effective additives are designed to: 

• Rebalance aged binder so it behaves more like virgin material 

• Be compatible with a wide range of asphalt grades and climate conditions 

• Integrate smoothly into production processes without adding complexity 

He shared case studies where rejuvenators enabled mixes containing 30% or more RAP to perform at or above the level of traditional mixes. Test data showed improvements in cracking resistance, rutting performance, and long-term durability. The examples featured during the presentation included proof that high-RAP asphalt can be both sustainable and resilient. 

Economic, Environmental, and Joint Effort Factors Driving Asphalt Rejuvenation 

Aurilio also highlighted the importance of economics in mix design considerations. By adding another material to an asphalt mix, rejuvenators may seem like an additional cost. However, when factored against the savings from reduced virgin binder and aggregate use, the economic case is strong. Often, rejuvenated high-RAP mixes deliver environmental and sustainability advantages alongside meaningful cost efficiencies for producers. 

During his section, Aurilio demonstrated technological advances enabling the use high-RAP effectively today. He also echoed a sentiment shared by the webinar panel: collaboration is essential for high-RAP implementation. Technical tools exist to make high-RAP asphalt mixes successful, but adoption requires alignment among producers, agencies, and policymakers. Outdated specifications remain one of the largest barriers, but by updating standards, the industry can unlock RAP’s potential. 

The webinar closed by underscoring that high-performing, high-RAP asphalt is achievable. With proven technologies like asphalt rejuvenators or recycling agents, the industry can develop cost-effective roads while significantly reducing environmental impact. 

Aurilio’s insights also highlighted Sripath’s commitment to advancing sustainable solutions through innovation. His contributions reflected the company’s role in helping the asphalt industry transition toward more sustainable practices. 

Watch the complete webinar session to hear additional input on the opportunities and challenges surrounding high-RAP asphalt.  

For more information about reclaimed asphalt pavement and asphalt rejuvenators like ReLIXER®, contact info@sripath.com