Asphalt-based paving is commonly used throughout the world as a surface for roads, parking lots and aircraft runways wherever concrete is not employed. The concept of adding crumb rubber to the asphalt mix to improve the qualities of the material was pioneered in the mid-sixties in the City of Phoenix, Arizona. Since that time a vast amount of experimentation and testing has refined the technology to the extent that it is now proven and accepted as a useful, economic and desirable process by governments and contractors across North America.

Depending on the owner/agency, a number of different specifications and mixing techniques can be used that require a construction aggregate of varying gradation and quality.

When utilizing Asphalt Rubber materials the proportions of materials for the binder will be adjusted according to the variables anticipated where the Asphalt Rubber Concrete (ARC) or Asphalt Rubber Membrane(s) (SAM or SAMI) are to be applied. However, the basic components remain essentially the same and the specification remains consistent, as well. The recycled ground tire rubber (CRM) is first blended with the specified asphalt cement and reacted for a required amount of time. Upon completion of this reaction and quality assurance testing on-site, the Asphalt Rubber binder is then accurately metered into the contractors' hot-plant to be mixed with a crushed aggregate of specific gradation and quality to produce an Asphalt Rubber Gap or Open Graded Concrete (ARC). This material is then transported to the construction site and placed utilizing traditional hauling and paving equipment.

The Asphalt Rubber Binder can be further modified with an extender oil, a high natural rubber or virgin (SBS) polymers to enhance the end result physical properties of the binder. Some of the variables that control the end result binder properties are climatic conditions, existing condition of the roadway, traffic count and the amount of truck traffic anticipated.

Some of the advantages established by numerous monitoring and testing programs are: