Use of recycled concrete aggregates in asphalt mixtures for pavements: A review

Abstract

Large quantities of natural aggregates (NA) are required in the manufacturing of asphalt mixtures for pavements. The extraction of NA generates high environmental impacts that negatively affect environmental preservation and conservation. Diverse alternative materials obtained in construction and demolition processes in civil construction worked have been studies as possible replacements for NA, with the purpose of reducing these environmental impacts. The foregoing study presents a state of knowledge review referring to the use of recycled concrete aggregates (RCA) when these are used in the manufacturing of asphalt mixtures (mainly hot-mix asphalt HMA type). Environmental aspects are presented, as well as possible benefits and limitations of using RCA as replacements for NA in asphalt mixtures. However, it is not possible to establish a behavior pattern, since the characteristics of the RCA are very heterogeneous and vary from the original source of the concrete. It is highlighted from the literature that RCA has a wide potential for use in the manufacture of asphalt mixtures, since in most studies, the mixtures with these materials comply the quality requirements contemplated by the construction specifications, mainly in low-volume roads. Additionally, based on the literature review, some recommendations and suggestions are presented for future research. • This review presents the studies of asphalt mixtures with the incorporation of RCA. • The results of the physical characteristics of the RCA found in the literature are analyzed. • The mechanical behavior of asphalt mixtures with RCA and natural aggregates is compared. • The treatments carried out on RCA to be used in asphalt mixtures are analyzed. • Suggestions are presented for future studies of asphalt mixtures with the use of RCA.