Use of Recycled Concrete Aggregate on Airfield Rigid Pavements

Recycled concrete aggregates have been used in the United States highway industry since the 1970's with well documented case studies of successes and failures. There appear to be limited case studies and experiences among airports to implement this sustainable practice in their airfield pavement construction. This synthesis would gather information from the aviation and concrete industry to look at the future of utilizing recycled concrete aggregates and to see if this is a feasible practice in airfield applications.

This synthesis could lead to more sustainable airfield concrete paving projects. There are many assumptions and ambiguities currently surrounding the use of recycled concrete aggregates in airfield pavement applications which this synthesis would address.

Firstly, the research team would need to gather information from a survey sent to the FAA, the American Concrete Pavement Association, and airports around the country asking them about using recycled concrete aggregates in airfield applications. The results of the survey would show the experience and knowledge of airports and industry nationwide about using recycled concrete aggregates and what their opinions are on implementing this practice at airports. Following the survey, the research team would dig further to see what are the challenges faced by airports and respond to these challenges.

ACPA has performed extensive research analyzing recycled concrete aggregate use for highway applications but there is limited data and case studies available for airfield applications. It would be beneficial for the research team to build off the ACPA's previous research including Engineering Bulletin 043P Recycling Concrete Pavements and extend this research to the FAA concrete pavement specification P-501.