Recycled Aggregate in Pavement Construction: Review of Literatures

Abstract The built environment consumes a lot of energy and material. A huge demand of about 40 billion tonnes of aggregates is demanded for construction purpose. The cost of material accounts for more than 60% of the total project cost. However, 10% of construction material end up as demolition wastes yearly. Aggregate is a beneficial building component in construction. There is much need to develop ways to ensure it is utilized properly as construction and demolition waste contribute a large percent to landfills. This review of literature examined the generation of construction and demolition waste generated in developed countries, waste characterization, and utilization in pavement construction. Additionally, environmental, economic and social benefits of the reuse of this waste was espoused. The result of the review revealed that The initial construction material quality, scale of the project, contract and construction mode used affect the amount and quality of CDW. CDW are bulky and not suitable for composting and incineration. Ultimately, the utilization of this waste would reduce the amount of raw material used in construction leading to conservation. Also, there would be reduction in the energy cost associated with mining (quarrying), extraction and transportation of natural aggregates in track with the conservation of natural resources and the construction of cost-effective pavements.