Construction of Interstate Concrete Shoulders using 100% Recycled Concrete Aggregate

Abstract

In an effort to increase consideration of the use of recycled concrete aggregates (RCA) in concrete pavements, this paper describes the mix design and construction of 90 lane kilometers (56 lane miles) of Interstate concrete shoulder pavement using 100% of the coarse and fine portions of recycled concrete pavement, with only the addition of natural sand for workability. The project is located on Interstate 16 between Macon and Savannah, Georgia. The original project plans allowed the option of asphalt, concrete or roller compacted concrete shoulders. The Contractor proposed and Georgia DOT permitted the use of 100% recycled concrete pavement as an option for the shoulder construction. While Georgia DOT has allowed recycled concrete for use in graded aggregate base since the late 1990’s, this is their first use of recycled concrete aggregates in pavement. The project also includes the replacement of the truck lane and rehabilitation of the existing inside lane. The project successfully incorporated 100% of the RCA in the new concrete shoulders while maintaining strength and workability, providing concrete shoulders as another viable option for RCA pavements.