What Are Asphalt Millings?

Asphalt millings — one of the most sought-after products sold by RCM — are a recycled material that comes from the process of removing and reusing old asphalt pavement. When roads, parking lots, or driveways are resurfaced or repaved, the existing asphalt is often milled or ground up to create a reusable material known as asphalt millings. These millings can be used in a variety of applications, offering both environmental and economic benefits.

What Is the Milling Process?

The process of creating asphalt millings involves a technique called milling. This is done using specialized machinery known as a cold planer or asphalt milling machine. The milling machine grinds up the surface layer of existing asphalt pavement and collects the ground-up material for reuse. The depth of the milling can vary, depending on the condition of the existing pavement and the specific needs of the project.

After the milling process, the resulting material consists of small, coarse pieces of asphalt that resemble gravel, but with a higher density. These pieces are referred to as asphalt millings.

What Are Asphalt Millings Made Of?

Asphalt millings are primarily made up of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP). RAP consists of asphalt that has been removed from existing roadways, parking lots, or driveways. The material retains a significant amount of the original asphalt binder, which is the sticky substance that helps the asphalt hold together.

When asphalt is milled, it typically retains its original binder, which allows it to be reused without requiring additional petroleum-based products. The ability to reuse this binder is one of the key reasons asphalt millings are considered a sustainable option for a wide variety of construction applications.