Laboratory evaluation of the mechanical properties of roller compacted concrete pavement containing ceramic and coal waste powders

In this study, the use of ceramic and coal waste powders as partial replacement of cement in roller compacted concrete pavement mixture was investigated. The mixtures were produced with the ceramic waste powder contents at 5% and 10% of total cementitious material (by weight). In addition, mixtures containing ceramic and coal waste powders were prepared simultaneously. Five different concrete mixes were prepared, and the unit weight, VeBe time, compressive, splitting tensile, and flexural strengths of mixture were measured for all the specimens. All tests were performed after 7, 28, and 90 days of curing. The results indicated that the use of the ceramic and coal waste powders as a partial replacement of cement decreased the unit weight and VeBe time. According to the results, the application of ceramic and coal waste powders reduced the splitting tensile, compressive and flexural strengths than control specimens. The lowest loss in strengths was found in specimens containing 5% ceramic waste powder, that after 28-day curing, it was observed that the average compressive, splitting tensile and flexural strengths decreased by 4%, 5%, and 2%, respectively. In addition, the 28-day compressive strength of the mixture containing 5% ceramic waste powder was higher than the minimum value proposed by the guide. Furthermore, the loss of strength in specimens containing only ceramic waste powder was lower than the specimens containing ceramic and coal waste powders. It could be concluded that using ceramic and coal waste powders in roller compacted concrete pavement not only is it effective in reducing the cost and preventing waste from entering the environment but also it can be considered as a step toward sustainability.