Utilizing recycled ceramic aggregates obtained from tile industry in the design of open graded wearing course on both laboratory and in situ basis

• Recycled ceramic aggregates were obtained from stoneware and porcelain tile wastes.
• Recycled ceramic aggregates were suitable for use into open graded wearing course.
• Open graded wearing courses were produced in both laboratory and asphalt plant.
• Up to 30% of recycled aggregates content was adequate for wearing course properties.

The purpose of the research was to evaluate the technical feasibility of using porcelain and ceramic stoneware tile wastes as aggregate replacement in hot bituminous open graded wearing courses. It is believed that it would reduce the environmental effects of wastes disposal and the natural aggregate demand. The investigated bituminous mix course was an open graded wearing course. Ceramic tile industry wastes were treated to obtain recycled aggregates. These aggregates were characterized and tested to see their suitability to be utilized in bituminous mixtures. The design process of mixture consisted on the study of mixtures prepared with natural and recycled aggregates. The mixtures were produced in both the laboratory and an asphalt plant basis, evaluating the influence of in situ production and scale factors. Recycled ceramic aggregates content was established to obtain appropriate mechanical and superficial characteristics, besides maximizing re-utilization of recycled materials. Up to 30% of recycled ceramic aggregates content by aggregates weight was found to be adequate. However, the partial substitution of natural aggregate by recycled ceramic aggregates involved higher water sensitivity in the mixture. The open graded wearing course with recycled ceramic aggregates was considered to be suitable for medium to low traffic volume roads, though further research is deemed to be necessary for technical and economical viability.

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