SEDL / STP / STP1540-EB / STP154020120009

Comparison of Specifications for Recycled Concrete Aggregate for Pavement Construction

Gabr, A. R.
Univ. of South Australia, School of NBE, South Australia

Cameron, D. A.
Senior Lecturer, Univ. of South Australia, School of NBE, South Australia

Andrews, R.
Principal Engineer, ARRB Group, South Australia

Mitchell, P. W.
Ground Engineering Technical Leader, Aurecon—Asia Pacific, South Australia

Pages: 22    Published: Apr 2012

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Abstract

This paper reviews existing specifications, specifically for the application of crushed concrete or recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) as pavement material for unbound subbases and basecourses. While the use of recycled crushed concrete is not new internationally, its application in Australia is unique as it is being commonly used as a granular basecourse/subbase supporting thin bituminous seals (asphalt or spray seal/chip seal). Commonality of specifications is explored and differences that exist are questioned. In light of practice outside of Australia, limitations by Australian authorities placed on recycled material inclusions other than crushed concrete are raised. In this paper, two South Australian-based RCA products, which were designed for use as pavement bases, are compared with current engineering specifications. The RCA products performed well in terms of resilient modulus and permanent deformation. However, properties such as abrasion resistance and wet/dry strength may restrict the application of the material if current specifications are justifiable.