Environmental Impact of Recycled Crushed Concrete and Aluminum Salt Slag as Used in Civil Infrastructure Construction

This research investigated the suitability of using recycled aluminum salt slag (RASS) and crushed concrete aggregate (RCA) as virgin quarry aggregates substitution in geotechnical applications. The RASS and RCA were characterized by conducting an extensive series of geotechnical and environmental engineering tests and microstructural analysis. 3% GP cement was used to stabilize RASS and RCA blends, and the strength performance of the stabilized mixtures was subsequently measured. The results showed that RASS and RCA conform to the requirements specified by the local road authority for usage in road work applications. A comparison of leachate test results with the specifications stipulated by the EPA Victoria and the US EPA implies that RASS and RCA have negligible effects on the environment throughout their service life in a project. In addition, the UCS of cement-stabilized RASS and RCA blends also met the minimum 7 days strength requirement recommended by the Texas Department of Transportation for Class L and Class M materials in road work applications.