USE OF RECYCLE CONCRETE AGGREGATE IN RURAL ROAD

The present study evaluated the feasibility of using Recycled Concrete Aggregate (RCA) as an alternative to natural aggregates in rural road construction. Various physical and mechanical tests were conducted on RCA and the results were compared with those of conventional natural aggregates. The test outcomes indicate that although RCA exhibits slightly lower strength characteristics, it satisfies the permissible limits prescribed by Indian Standards for rural road applications.The comparative analysis confirms that RCA can be effectively used in low-traffic rural roads without compromising performance and durability. The economic evaluation demonstrates that the use of RCA leads to significant cost savings by reducing expenses related to raw material procurement, transportation, excavation, and waste disposal. Furthermore, the utilization of recycled concrete aggregate contributes to sustainable construction practices by minimizing construction and demolition waste, conserving natural resources, and reducing environmental pollution and carbon footprint. The study also highlights the potential of RCA to improve rural road connectivity in a cost-effective and environmentally responsible manner.Overall, the findings of this project support the adoption of Recycled Concrete Aggregate as a viable, economical, and sustainable material for rural road construction, encouraging its wider implementation in future infrastructure development projects.  

1.   Bureau of Indian Standards, Indian Standard IS 2386 (Part I–IV): Methods of Test for Aggregates, BIS, New Delhi. 2.   Bureau of Indian Standards, IS 383: Coarse and Fine Aggregate for Concrete – Specification, BIS, New Delhi.     3.   Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), Specifications for Road and Bridge Works, Government of India.   4.   Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Guidelines on Construction and Demolition Waste Management, Government of India.   5.   P. Saravanakumar and R. Dhinakaran, “Durability Characteristics of Recycled Aggregate Concrete,” Journal of Civil Engineering Research, Vol. 4, No. 2, pp. 47–52, 2014.