Waste materials in highway applications: An overview on generation and utilization implications on sustainability

• Published in: Journal of cleaner production 2021-02, Vol.283, p.124581, Article 124581
• Main Authors: Bamigboye, Gideon O., Bassey, Daniel E., Olukanni, David O., Ngene, Ben U., Adegoke, Dunmininu, Odetoyan, Abimbola O., Kareem, Mutiu A., Enabulele, David O., Nworgu, Austin T.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Compressive strength; Construction materials; Economic impact analysis; Pavement performance; Recycled waste materials; Sustainable materials
• ISSN: 0959-6526; 1879-1786
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.124581

The rate at which the construction industry explores and consumes non-renewable natural aggregates and other industrial products such as bitumen, lime, and cement during construction and rehabilitation of road pavements has over time proven to be environmentally degrading and non-sustainable. This, alongside the issues of high solid waste generation and inadequate disposal, has led to series of studies by various researchers to find methods to integrate these solid wastes as alternative materials in road construction and maintenance. This paper provides a simple yet detailed review of recent relevant studies conducted to understand the alarming rate of generation and the effects of reusing these waste materials in both flexible and rigid pavements. The review further outlines the advantages and disadvantages of the selected waste materials and compare the results with that of conventional materials in accordance with relevant standards while highlighting the performance, and life cycle environmental and economic sustainability implications. The study shows that the adoption of these materials offers efficiency in waste disposal while reducing the demand for natural aggregates and consequently, significantly reducing life cycle impacts and costs. The challenges limiting the effective practical implementation of these waste recycling techniques in the construction industry were discussed and possible solutions were suggested to encourage and ensure its utilization in road construction.