Quality Metrics for Recycled Concrete Aggregates in Municipal Roads

摘要

Increasing portions of municipal resources are being allocated to construct and preserve their infrastructure while ensuring a sustainable balance is achieved between depletion of natural aggregate reserves and maximizing the use of recycled and reclaimed materials. Incorporating recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) as a base/subbase into municipal roads can result in a quality product and long term performance while promoting environmental stewardship and cost effective solutions. Demolishing old concrete structures, crushing the concrete and using the crushed materials as aggregates is not new and its use has been well documented. However, due to a lack of experience, familiarity and local data pertaining to the use of RCA material, municipalities have been reluctant to routinely incorporate this material in their construction works. Through the use of a case study, this paper provides guidance for municipal practitioners on how to incorporate quality RCA material in a responsible manner, with a greater sense of confidence. The benefits associated with RCA and project specific details on raw material quality, production, quality control, laboratory testing, environmental compliance, and specification development are presented from both the owners and contractor's perspective.