Utilization of Construction and Demolition Wastes in Low-Volume Roads for Rural Areas in China

Abstract

This paper presents a study in which the engineering properties of recycled construction and demolition wastes were evaluated for application to the construction of low-volume roads in rural areas of China. Crushed clay brick and waste concrete, two types of commonly available construction and demolition wastes, were selected. Scanning electron microscopy was used to characterize the influence of the hydration process on microstructure. Properties, including moisture–density relationships and unconfined compression strength, were evaluated. A field application of the use of construction and demolition wastes in low-volume roads was also presented. The study results indicate that construction and demolition wastes may be successfully used as a cement-stabilized base in constructing rural low-volume roads. The results of laboratory and field investigations from the study also provided reference for future mix design and pavement structural design, as well as construction quality control and quality assurance for similar applications in the future.