The purpose of hot in-place recycling (HIR) is to correct asphalt pavement surface distress, such as surface cracking, roughness, or lack of skid resistance, through recycling the existing pavement surface. HIR can be effective in correcting surface defects, as long as the defects are not caused by structural inadequacy of the pavement.

The Cutler HIR process involves recycling the existing asphalt surface layer by heating, scarifying, and adding a recycling agent. The recycled material is placed on the roadway surface, a thin overlay of new hot-mix is placed over the recycled layer, and the entire pavement layer is compacted using conventional compaction equipment.

Alternate options are mill and overlay or surface recycling process, also referred to as the Dustrol process. Mill and overlay involves milling 1 in. of the existing top layer and replacing it with 2 in. of new overlay. RAP content in accordance with Item 340 should be allowed in the new 2-in. overlay.

The Dustrol process is an alternate to the Cutler process. The Dustrol process is a surface recycling process. The Dustrol process involves heating and scarifying the top layer of asphaltic pavement (typically, the top 1 in.), mixing a recycling agent. A new overlay is placed on top of the new recycled surface using standard paving operations.