Physical and hydraulic properties of recycled glass as granular materials for pavement structure

Abstract

The use of alternative materials in the construction industry is gaining popularity, among others, to reduce the various environmental impacts of standard construction materials. Recycled glass (RG) is used as an aggregate in pavement structures, but the widespread usage is impeded by insufficient knowledge of its geotechnical characteristics. This research investigated the effects of using RG as a granular base aggregate. Four size ranges of RG were considered in comparison with limestone as the reference aggregate. The experimental program included shape property, water absorption, compaction, hydraulic conductivity, and water retention. The findings indicated that RG with negligible water absorption and a medium degree of permeability could replace up to 100% of the fine fraction of the base-course aggregate without reducing the hydraulic conductivity. Furthermore, RG showed better drainability than limestone aggregate, which contributes to the performance of the base–subbase aggregate in the presence of water.