Topic outline

  • Use of Recycled Concrete Aggregate in Pavements

    Credits: 2 PDH

    PDH Course Description:

    This course outlines Recycled Concrete Aggregate (RCA), which is produced by removing, crushing, and processing hardened concrete. It can be substituted for virgin aggregate in a variety of both bound and unbound uses. Concrete pavement is an excellent source of RCA, because it is generally comprised of high-quality source materials that have previously met state agency specifications.

    As virgin aggregate sources and landfill space become limited, use of RCA is becoming increasingly attractive for both environmental and economic reasons. Over the past several decades, more than 100 pavement projects have been constructed in the United States using RCA as either a full or partial replacement for coarse aggregate, fine aggregate, or both in concrete paving mixtures. Most of these pavements have exhibited satisfactory performance over several decades, and a number of these pavements are still in service today.

    Topics:

    • Introduction to RCA
    • Current Use of RCA in Concrete Mixtures
    • RCA Basics and the Recycling Process
    • Characteristics and Quality Testing
    • Influence of RCA on Hardened Properties of Concrete
    • Freeze-Thaw, Abrasion Resistance, Permeability
    • Mixture Design Using RCA
    • Considerations for Pavement Design Using RCA
    • Production and Use Considerations

    To take this course:

    1.) Enroll in Course: Click below to enroll:
    (must be logged into your user account)


    2.) Study: Once enrolled, click below to begin the course:

    Download the Study Guide

    3.) Test: Once you've thoroughly read the course materials, please click below to take the final examination.

    Take the final exam

    4.) Certificate: A passing grade of 70% or higher on the exam, is required to receive the certificate of completion for this PDH course.
         NOTE: After the exam is completed, you will need to return to this page, in order to print (download) the certificate of completion.

    Print the Certificate of Completion

    Intended Audience: This course is intended for civil, transportation, construction, environmental, and other engineering professionals whose job description may require a general knowledge of recycled concrete aggregate and its uses in the construction of roadways.
    Publication Source: US FHWA

    Donald Parnell, PE

    • Topic 1