Which of the following is a common benefit of using recycled asphalt pavement (RAP) in HMA?

Utilizing recycled asphalt pavement (RAP) in Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) offers several significant advantages, one of which is greatly reducing environmental impact. When RAP is incorporated into HMA, it helps minimize the amount of new raw materials required, thus preserving natural resources and decreasing the demand for new asphalt production. This recycling process leads to a reduction in energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions associated with the extraction, processing, and transportation of virgin materials.

Additionally, the use of RAP lowers waste that would otherwise be sent to landfills, supporting sustainable construction practices. By reusing existing materials, the construction industry can decrease its carbon footprint and contribute positively to environmental sustainability. This benefit aligns with current trends in construction and civil engineering that prioritize greener alternatives.

While reduced costs, workability improvements, and potential hardness changes are associated with RAP use, the overarching benefit of decreasing environmental impact plays a crucial role in promoting RAP as a proactive solution in MHA practices.