Tire Management

Rubberized Asphalt Concrete

Rubberized asphalt concrete is a road material made with recycled tires. It is commonly known as RAC and has been in use since the late 1970s. RAC is a proven product--one that is cost efficient and an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional road paving.

RAC is cost-effective. A two-inch-thick rubberized asphalt concrete overlay can save as much as $50,000 per lane mile when compared to a four-inch-thick conventional asphalt overlay. RAC is long lasting. It resists cracking and case studies have demonstrated over and over again that RAC, when designed properly, lasts much longer than conventional materials--often 50 percent longer. This saves on maintenance costs.

RAC is durable, safe and quiet. One of the most compelling arguments for using RAC is the potential to quiet our roadways. Research has shown that noise can be reduced as much as 85 percent in some instances. Additionally, RAC provides better traction and visibility in wet weather, which may reduce highway accidents.

RAC is environmentally friendly. A two-inch-thick resurfacing project uses over 2,000 scrap tires per lane mile. This means that for a one-mile section of a four-lane highway, over 8,000 scrap tires can be used in creating a safer, quieter, longer-lasting road! Using RAC can help reduce the number of scrap tires that go into our landfills.

Last updated: January 29, 2008