Journal of Transportation Infrastructure Engineering

Journal of Transportation Infrastructure Engineering

Evaluation of the Strength Characteristics of Clay Stabilized with Recycled Concrete Aggregates Under Freeze-Thaw Cycles

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
Hosna Soeizi 1
Alireza Ardakani 2
1 MSc. Student, Imam Khomeini International University, Qazvin, I. R. Iran.
2 Associate Professor, Imam Khomeini International University, Qazvin, I. R. Iran.
10.22075/jtie.2025.35579.1695
Abstract
Due to extensive construction activities in urban areas, the generation of construction waste has been increasing significantly. Among these wastes, recycled concrete aggregates (RCA) are notable, as they can serve as alternative natural materials in various road construction projects. Utilizing such materials in road construction projects can mitigate the environmental hazards associated with their disposal. This study investigates the clay from Kazem Abad region of Qazvin, Iran, which exhibits low plasticity characteristics. The RCA materials used in this research were obtained from laboratory concrete samples. A series of laboratory tests, including compaction tests and uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) tests, were conducted on stabilized clay samples incorporating 25% and 50% RCA, and the effect of curing durations of 7, 14 and 28 days on UCS was investigated. Also, the effect of freezing and melting cycles on the uniaxial compressive strength of the stabilized clay was investigated. Results indicated that incorporating RCA into clay soil reduces maximum dry density (MDD) and optimum moisture content (OMC). Moreover, due to the higher proportion of unhydrated cement particles in the 50% RCA mixture compared to the 25% RCA mixture, the UCS values exhibited greater growth over time. Additionally, UCS values for all RCA percentages declined as the number of freeze-thaw cycles increased, with the most significant strength reduction occurring in the initial cycles. Overall, the findings suggest that incorporating RCA can enhance the geotechnical properties of clay subgrade layers, making them a viable option for sustainable road construction.
Keywords
Low plasticity Clay
Recycled Concrete Aggregate (RCA)
Compaction
Uniaxial compressive strength
freeze-thaw cycles
Subjects
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  • Receive Date 09 October 2024
  • Revise Date 08 February 2025
  • Accept Date 08 February 2025
  • Publish Date 21 December 2024