Reclamite,

The Role of an Asphalt Rejuvenator in Pavement Preservation Use and Need for Asphalt Rejuvenation

An asphalt rejuvenator was introduced in 1960 by the Golden Bear Oil Company. That product was Reclamite® It has a history of use spanning 50 years.

In an era of moderately low price asphalt products, this rejuvenator was ahead of it’s time. Hundreds of laboratory tests and field trials have been performed to determine the best possible formula and procedures for applying an asphalt rejuvenator. There are many methods of surface treatments entailing use of asphalted emulsions with the predominant focus on gluing and binding the aggregate. Rejuvenators are derived from very specific crude stocks and are not as generic in their manufacture, thus on a national level, product availability as well as manufacturer/refiner marketing has impacted limited expansion and use of the products.

But…asphalt rejuvenators have been one of the most field tested applications there are. This paper presents the technical components of an asphalt rejuvenator and how they differentiate from generic asphalt emulsions. Discussion is focused on fog seal use of rejuvenators. Long term test results are presented as well as a visual perspective showing the appearance of before and after treatments. Conclusive history shows that a properly formulated asphalt rejuvenator meets stipulated requirements and is a proven method to extend pavement life at a low cost.

A well planned program of preventative maintenance is one which takes into consideration the characteristic behavior of asphalt. The aging process is caused by chemical changes in the asphalt. The original concept for the asphalt rejuvenator Reclamite® that came on the market in 1960 was a product that would reconstitute the asphalt. To keep "good" roads in "good" condition.

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