Utilization of recycled concrete aggregates for pavement base courses – A detailed laboratory study

Abstract

Pavement construction and maintenance have become prevalent globally due to increasing traffic volumes and higher vehicular axle weights, driven by population growth and technological advancements. However, the extensive reliance on natural resources raises concerns about their long-term availability and sustainability. An emerging trend in construction involves the application of alternative materials, such as demolished waste and industrial by-products, as substitutes for natural materials like aggregates. This study examined strength properties, including unconfined compressive strength (UCS), flexural strength, elastic modulus, indirect tensile strength (ITS) and the performance aspects of durability, shrinkage, and fatigue. Cement stabilized recycled concrete aggregate (CSRCA) mixes were prepared by varying the percentage of natural coarse aggregate (NCA) and recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) from 0% to 100% and cement content from 3% to 7%. The experimental findings demonstrated that the cement content had a more significant impact on the strength and performance characteristics of CSRCA mixes than RCA content. The mixes with RCA replacement up to 50% and a cement content of 5% satisfy the strength and durability criteria recommended by IRC 37. A higher proportion of RCA was found to have a detrimental effect on mechanical properties and fatigue characteristics. It was found that the CSRCA mixes with 50% RCA replacement to NCA can be used as a base layer instead of a conventional cement-treated base (CTB) for flexible pavement.