What Is Cold In-Place Recycling?

CIR involves the recycling of existing asphalt pavement to create a new, durable surface. The process:

• Uses 100% Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) mixed with a new binder, such as emulsion or foamed asphalt cement. 
• Preserves energy and reduces environmental impact by eliminating the need for heat application during the process. 
• Is ideal for addressing issues such as cracking, permanent deformation, and loss of integrity in asphalt surfaces. 
   

The Process

Before preforming CIR, our teams conduct a detailed evaluation of the pavement’s condition. In some cases, corrective measures may be required, such as road profiling to smooth our distortions or adding corrective aggregative to modify the material’s strength.  

Once the pavement is prepared, the existing asphalt is milled and mixed with new binder to create a strong, recycled base. In some cases, Portland cement is added to ensure rapid curing, allowing the surface to quickly support traffic before being topped with Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) or a Seal Coat.

Why Choose Cold In-Place Recycling?

Cold In-Place Recycling offers several key advantages, making it a preferred choice for pavement rehabilitation:

• Cost-Effective: CIR reduces the need for expensive materials and labor, making it a budget-friendly alternative to full reconstruction. 
• Longer Life Cycle: By reusing existing pavement materials, CIR extends the lifespan of roadways while maintaining high performance. 
• Environmentally Friendly: The cold process minimizes energy consumption and reduces waste by recycling existing materials. 
• Ideal for Cold Climates: CIR effectively mitigates reflective cracking, making it especially beneficial in regions with harsh winters. 
• Quick and Efficient: The process is fast, with minimal disruption to traffic, ensuring your project is completed on time and with minimal inconvenience. 
   

Trusted partners for your next project

With a proven track record in delivering high-quality roadway solutions, Colas companies in Canada are your partners innovative and sustainable infrastructure. Contact us today to learn more about how Base Stabilization can benefit your next project.