Use of recycled C&D wastes in unpaved rural and forest roads - feasibility analysis

Abstract

In recent years, environmental sustainability concerns associated with over exploitation of natural resources along with the need to manage large volumes of wastes have propelled the development and implementation of waste recycling and valorisation strategies in the construction sector. In particular, Construction and Demolition (C&D) wastes have been recognised by the European Commission as a priority stream due to the large amounts generated in addition to their high potential to be reused and recycled. This paper presents the laboratory characterisation of two recycled aggregates from C&D waste to determine whether they meet the technical requirements established in the Portuguese specification LNEC E484 (2016), which would enable their application in unpaved rural and forest roads. A series of relevant physical, mechanical and chemical properties are evaluated and the fulfilment of the requirements is subsequently examined.