Experimental investigation of using cross-linked polyethylene waste as aggregate in roller compacted concrete pavement

In recent years, cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) is one such waste material that has been growing rapidly. In fact, XLPE used for the insulation of electric wires and cables is a non-biodegradable component. This study was carried out to investigate the use of XLPE waste as an aggregate in roller compacted concrete pavement (RCCP) mixes. XLPE waste as an aggregate with several volume percentages was utilized to replace the natural coarse aggregate of concrete mix. This replacement was conducted with 5%, 15%, 30% and 50% contents. The unit weight, VeBe time, compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, and flexural strength were measured for all the specimens. The results indicated that the use of XLPE waste changed the properties of fresh and hardened concrete. XLPE waste caused the reduction of unit weight and VeBe time. The results showed that replacing 5% of coarse aggregate with XLPE waste increased the 28-d splitting tensile strength of RCCP by 11%. In addition, the 28-d compressive and flexural strengths of this concrete mix were greater than the minimum compressive and flexural strengths determined by the RCCP guide. According to the test results, the use of XLPE waste for more than 5% of the coarse aggregate of the mix are recommended for low traffic pavements, rural roads and sidewalks. Moreover, the use of XLPE waste increased ductility and resistance against RCCP cracking. Overall, using XLPE waste in RCCP can prevent entering wastes into the environment. And, it reduces landfill cost and saves energy.