Journal Published Online: 31 May 2013
Volume 2, Issue 1

Evaluating Recycled Concrete Aggregate as Hot Mix Asphalt Aggregate

CODEN: ACEMF9

Abstract

The use of recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) in asphalt mix is a sustainable construction practice, provided that the addition of RCA does not adversely affect the performance of the asphalt mix. In this study, the effects of RCA on the performance behavior of hot mix asphalt (HMA) were examined. The mixes were produced by blending RCA with virgin aggregate at six different percentages (0 %, 20 %, 40 %, 60 %, 80 %, and 100 %). The mix design results indicate that the RCA is highly absorptive, and that as the percentage of RCA in the mix increases, the optimum asphalt content increases significantly. In terms of performance behavior, the addition of RCA to the HMA mix reduced the modulus, resistance to rutting, fatigue, thermal cracking, and resistance to moisture damage of the asphalt mix. Considering the performance behavior and the need for a higher asphalt content, the use of RCA as HMA aggregate is not recommended, even though all the RCA mixes met the volumetric requirements. More important, the findings in this study indicate that the absorbed asphalt might play a significant role at high temperatures, likely because of expansion of the asphalt.

Author Information

Bhusal, Sushanta
Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Washington State Univ., Sloan Hall, Pullman, WA, US
Wen, Haifang
Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Washington State Univ., Sloan Hall, Pullman, WA, US
Pages: 14
Price: $25.00
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Details
Stock #: ACEM20120053
ISSN: 2165-3984
DOI: 10.1520/ACEM20120053