Project Description:
The construction and rehabilitation of pavements consume huge quantities of crushed aggregates sourced from quarries. The depletion of high-quality natural rock reserves and the environmental concerns associated with quarrying practices have prompted investigations into the feasibility of alternative materials. These alternatives include construction and demolition waste (C&D Wastes), suboptimal materials, geosynthetics, and other waste byproducts, which are considered sustainable, eco-friendly, and cost-effective options for pavement materials. However, before these unconventional materials can be approved for use in pavement construction, they must undergo rigorous laboratory testing and pilot trials to comprehensively assess their characteristics and performance.
In this particular research endeavour, the study focuses on evaluating the properties and performance of Recycled Concrete Aggregates (RCA) produced at the LCC (Logan City Council) crushing facilities. These RCA are being examined through a series of laboratory tests and instrumental field trials, and numerical investigations with the intent of replacing traditional aggregates in the pavement’s various layers including the base layer. Additionally, geosynthetics will be introduced at the interface between the subgrade gravel and within the gravel layer to enhance the structural rigidity of the pavement system when constructed on soft subgrades. The findings from the research will be utilised to formulate specifications for Recycled Concrete Aggregate (RCA) as structural layers in pavements and to create a design guide specifically tailored for low-traffic-volume roads, with a primary focus on roads within the council network.
The Logan City Council (LCC) provides $135k cash support for this project in addition to their invaluable in-kind contribution in field trial construction.
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Duration: 2024- 2026 Research Methods:
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Team: QUT :
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