Studies on Treated Recycled Sand Derived from Construction and Demolition Wastes Towards Sustainable Road Construction

Rapid urbanization have resulted in an increase in the demand for new housing, commercial buildings, and infrastructure projects. This may require getting rid of existing old structures leading to the generation of waste from construction and demolition (C&D) activities. The major part of the generated C&D wastes is typically dumped into landfills posing a severe threat to the environment. Recycled sand derived from C&D wastes can reduce the need for natural sand extracted from rivers beds, beaches, and other natural resources. In the present study, the viability of using recycled sand derived from a C&D waste recycling plant in the construction of road pavements is studied. The strength, deformation, and compaction characteristics of treated recycled sand are studied considering different cement contents (2, 4, and 6%). Based on the gain in the unconfined compressive strength of cement-treated recycled sand, broad guidelines to utilize treated recycled sand in low-volume road construction projects are proposed in the study.