An Investigation into the Performance of Recycled Concrete Aggregate as a Base Course Material in Road Pavements

Abstract

Recycled crushed concrete and demolition materials have been trialed successfully in a number of locations in Western Australia, but industry acceptance of the material has been slow. Specifications currently in use have been modified from specifications for new quarried products, and there has been some doubt about the long term performance and quality control of recycled products. This paper analyses the performance of recycled concrete pavements that have been constructed in Western Australia, and details the extensive laboratory testing programme undertaken to model the product and compare its performance to conventional quarry products. The relative performance of blends of concrete and clay brick and tile has also been studied. The laboratory and field testing demonstrates good quality control and performance superior to conventional quarry products. However laboratory testing has not fully described the high in situ stiffness, and the paper outlines areas of further research proposed.