ISSN: 1945-7545
CODEN: GTJODJ
Published Online: 1 August 2012
Page Count: 9

Geotechnical Properties of Recycled Concrete Aggregate in Pavement Sub-Base Applications

Arulrajah, A.
Associate Professor, Faculty of Engineering and Industrial Science (H38), Swinburne Univ. of Technology, Melbourne,

Piratheepan, J.
Lecturer, Swinburne Univ. of Technology, Melbourne,

Ali, M. M. Y.
Student, Swinburne Univ. of Technology, Melbourne,

Bo, M. W.
Senior Principal/Director, DST Consulting Engineers Inc., Thunder Bay, Ontario

(Received 21 September 2010; accepted 6 March 2012)

Abstract

This paper presents a laboratory investigation of the geotechnical properties of recycled concrete aggregate (RCA). The properties of RCA were compared with state road authority requirements to assess its performance as a pavement sub-base material. The experimental programme included tests such as particle size distribution, modified Proctor compaction, particle density, water absorption, California bearing ratio (CBR), Los Angeles abrasion loss, pH, organic content, static triaxial, and repeated load triaxial tests. The Los Angeles abrasion loss tests indicated that the RCA is durable. CBR values were found to satisfy the local state road authority requirements for sub-base material. Repeated load triaxial tests established that the RCA would perform satisfactorily as a pavement sub-base material in the field. The results of the laboratory testing undertaken in this research indicated that RCA satisfied the criteria for use in pavement sub-base applications.

Keywords:
geotechnical, recycled concrete aggregate, pavement, sub-base, repeated load triaxial

Paper ID: GTJ103402
DOI: 10.1520/GTJ103402
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