Recycled Materials for Embankment Construction

Vipulanandan, C.; Basheer, M.; ,

Recycled Materials for Embankment Construction

by C. Vipulanandan, (M.ASCE), CIGMAT, Dept. of Civil and Envtl. Eng., University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204-4791, United States,
M. Basheer, CIGMAT, Dept. of Civil and Envtl. Eng., University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204-4791, United States,

Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Recycled Materials in Geotechnical Applications

Abstract:

Obtaining good quality soils at reasonable costs for use in embankment construction is becoming difficult and hence, attention is directed towards finding alternative materials. On the other hand, non-hazardous solid wastes are being generated in large quantities in different forms around the nation. Increasing disposal cost, constricting landfill space and stringent environmental regulations call for exploring large volume utilization alternatives. Hence, utilization of these solid waste materials in embankment construction is a promising alternative to explore in the interests of highway and environmental agencies. Several potential solid waste materials (tire chips, fly ash, bottom ash, scrubber base, fluorogypsum) were selected for this investigation. Their engineering and environmental characteristics were determined using geotechnical tests and two leaching tests including the TCLP test recommended by the USEPA. Tire chips and fly ash (C) were mixed with sand and a clayey sand and some of their properties were determined. Based on the CBR test results most of the materials tested were suitable for subgrade construction except for fly ash (F) and scrubber base (F) where the CBR values were close to 1, under soaked condition. All the solid waste materials studied are environmentally benign based on the level of metal leached. Sulfate concentration in leachates were higher than 1000 ppm for fluorogypsum and scrubber bases.

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