Long-Term Performance Evaluation of Recycled Concrete Aggregate as a Base Material in Flexible Pavements

Abstract

This study, conducted by the Florida Department of Transportation (DOT), evaluated the long-term performance of recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) as a base material in flexible pavements compared with standard lime rock (LRK). Field monitoring was carried out at a test site on SR 43/US-301, where both RCA and LRK were used as base materials. Key performance indicators such as falling weight deflectometer (FWD) deflection, cracking, rutting, smoothness, and ride quality were evaluated over time. The findings revealed that RCA outperformed LRK in structural integrity, deflection, rutting resistance, smoothness, and ride quality. These results have significant practical implications, highlighting the importance of comprehensive field evaluations and supporting the viability of RCA as a sustainable alternative in pavement base layer applications. Additionally, the study incorporates local calibration of the Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide (MEPDG) to enhance the accuracy of performance predictions specific to RCA behavior in Florida’s environmental conditions. The study demonstrates RCA’s long-term durability and structural benefits in a real-world context.