How I got there

Research resultsThe main objective was to develop understanding on how to design 100% RAP mixtures for ensuring quality mixture. So at first to get a general feel, we tried 12 different rejuvenators with simple tests as summarized in TRR article. The promising results encouraged us to continue with testing of six rejuvenators to determine effects on bitumen rheology and 100% RAP mixture performance. The results (summarized in articles by Construction and Building materials and Materials and Structures) demonstrated that, with adequate mix design we can truly ensure performance that is similar to virgin binder and mixture.

We wanted to understand deeper the mechanisms of rejuvenation and the ways to replicate the successful results every time. So we found practical means to determine optimum dosage of rejuvenator for any RAP source (article) and looked at the bitumen rejuvenation mechanisms using atomic force microscopy and correlated it to the changes in chemical its composition (article).

Finally, we decided to put everything we know about 100% production in one article demonstrating the technology and performance of 100% recycled mixtures in field. On top of that I created a website (http://zaumanis.com) that summarized the entire research findings.

TED talk

I had a feeling we have done something great, but how would people find out about it if we only publish it in road construction journals and discuss in asphalt conferences? For 100% recycling to get into mainstream, government has to know we can save money using it, and environmentally cautious voters have to ask "why are we not recycling more?"

TED talk seemed like a good idea to let them know. But who would let me talk? Participation is invitation-based and not that many people (to put is nicely) have interest to find out more about how asphalt is made... The only two times an average person wonders about asphalt are when asking (1) "why would no one fix these potholes?" and (2) "why can't they fix them at night so I don't have to stand in a traffic jam?" Obviously I would not get invited to talk about this "exciting" topic. But if they do not open the doors, you have to go through the window so I applied for a competition with a grand prize of participation in TED conference. It turned out that if you tell about it with passion, even asphalt can become interesting and I got the chance to tell the world about 100% recycling. See yourself how it did it go.