Engineering characteristics of construction waste for Western Australian road and highway materials

Abstract

This study examines the use of concrete waste by-products as a new source of road construction material in Western Australia (WA). The amount of construction waste in Western Australia increases annually, whilst natural rock aggregate is in shortage.This research focuses on whether recycled concrete, derived from various sources such as by-products from the processes of manufacturing ready-mixed concrete and waste from construction and demolition (C&D), is a viable option for use as a base and sub-base course material in road building in WA.A series of laboratory tests were conducted to determine the physical, engineering and performance properties of selected research materials to evaluate their respective potential utilisation. The results demonstrate that the concrete waste materials selected from the companies: Holcim Ltd, All Earth, Capital Demolition and C&D Recycling are suitable for use as base and sub-base layers of flexible pavement in Western Australia.