Geotechnical characteristics of recycled crushed brick blends for pavement sub-base applications

Abstract

This paper presents the findings of a laboratory investigation on the characterization of recycled crushed brick when blended with recycled concrete aggregate and crushed rock for pavement sub-base applications. The engineering properties of the crushed brick blends were compared with typical state road authority specifications in Australia for pavement sub-base systems to ascertain the potential use of crushed brick blends in these applications. The experimental programme included particle-size distribution, modified Proctor compaction, particle density, water absorption, California bearing ratio (CBR), Los Angeles abrasion, pH, organic content, and repeated load triaxial tests. Laboratory tests were undertaken on mixtures of 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 40%, and 50% crushed brick blended with recycled concrete aggregate or crushed rock. The research indicates that up to 25% crushed brick could be safely added to recycled concrete aggregate and crushed rock blends in pavement sub-base applications. The repeated load triaxial test results on the blends indicate that the effects of crushed brick content on the mechanical properties in terms of permanent deformation and resilient modulus of both the recycled concrete aggregate and crushed rock blends were marginal compared to the effects on dry density and moisture content.

Construction material from construction and demolition debris and lime production wastes

“…Arulrajah et al [8] compared the properties of CDD bricks with the properties of crushed brick blends for the Australian pavement sub-base system. Acchar et al [9] confirmed that approximately 50% of CDD can be incorporated into red ceramics, such as brick and tiles without a decrease in their quality.…”

Effect of Geogrids on Interface Shear Strength Properties of Recycled Crushed Brick

“…The "before and after" compaction grading curves (i.e., degree of breakdown that occurred during compaction) would suggest that a maximum of 50% CB material could be used to maintain an acceptable "after compaction" grading (Arulrajah et al 2012a;Rahman et al 2013).…”

“…This includes C&D aggregates such as recycled concrete aggregate (Azam and Cameron, 2013;Arulrajah et al 2013a), crushed brick (Aatheesan et al 2010;Arulrajah 2012a), reclaimed asphalt pavement materials (Puppala et al 2011;Arulrajah et al 2013b). Other waste materials that have generated recent interests in various geotechnical applications include waste rock (Arulrajah et al 2012b), waste glass (Ali et al 2011;Disfani et al 2011;Disfani et al 2012;Imteaz et al 2012;Arulrajah et al 2013c) and fly ash Rahman et al 2011;Horpibulsuk et al 2012;Sukmak et al 2013).…”

Study of Using the Crushed Clay Bricks With Natural Aggregate as Unbound Subbase Pavement Layer in Segregated Form

“…A 4-day soaked period had a negligible influence on the CBR values of the recycled subbase [7], it was feasible to blend recycled concrete aggregate and crushed clay brick to produce a subbase with a soaked CBR value of at least 30%. Aatheesan et al, found that crushed brick could be safely added to crushed rock (class 3) potentially up to 30% [2], and could be safely added to recycle concrete aggregate and crushed rock blends with percent up to 25% [8]. Arulrajah et al, concluded that crushed brick may have to be blended with other durable aggregates to improve its durability and to enhance its performance in pavement sub-base [9].…”