Investigation of the Use of Tear-Off Shingles in Asphalt Concrete

This investigation focused on the use of asphalt shingles that had been removed from roofs and recycled into asphalt concrete. Upon invitation by the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), three asphalt contractors produced and placed sections of asphalt concrete containing shingles. The sections were sampled and tested by the Virginia Transportation Research Council. Two base mixes and two surface mixes were produced, and one of the surface mixes was produced by both hot mix and warm mix technology. The laboratory tests used to evaluate the mixes were tests to determine conventional gyratory volumetric properties, gradation, and asphalt content; rut tests; fatigue tests; and tests to determine recovered asphalt properties. Satisfactory test results and good paving experiences with regard to the field installations indicated that mixes containing tear-off shingles can be constructed successfully. According to cost estimates, in 2009, VDOT could have saved approximately $600,000 by using 4 to 5 percent shingle waste in one-half of the hot mix produced. VDOT plans to adopt the special provision used for this study with minor modifications as a general specification for paving in 2010.