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RECYCLED CONCRETE MATERIAL
In 2009, Illinois used an estimated 284,715 tons of recycled concrete material in highway construction; IDOT spent about $3.18 million on the material for embankments, bases, and subbasesIn Illinois, the innovative approach of repurposing aged concrete for highway projects is not just cost-effective but also environmentally ...
In 1989, Kentucky engineers built a 750-foot road base using about 80 tons of ponded fly ash; the 11% ash section was reported to perform well against the conventional controlAn experimental road base in Kentucky utilized coal plant residue in 1988. Fly ash has been a federal construction material since the 1970s...
In 2026, Texas engineers mixed 4.5 tons of waste plastic into nearly a mile of road; the recycled material replaced 8% to 10% of petroleum-based bitumenInnovative researchers are pioneering the use of recycled plastic to improve the durability of asphalt roads. By substituting a portion of ...
In 2022, Duke students shredded and melted plastics 1, 2, 4 and 5 into bricks; a $248.84 setup produced blocks holding over 5,000 N in compression testsStudents at Duke University embarked on an innovative project, transforming everyday household plastic waste into strong building bricks. T...
In Massachusetts, Bar-Way Farm digests 36,500 tons of food waste and 9,125 tons of manure every year, producing enough electricity for 900 homesIn Deerfield, Massachusetts, Bar-Way Farm is leading the charge in renewable energy by harnessing food waste and cow manure to create elect...
Miami researchers tested concrete that replaced sand with leaded CRT glass; a biopolymer helped limit lead leaching before durability damage raised concernsResearchers explored using toxic CRT glass in concrete mixtures. This hazardous waste contains significant amounts of lead, posing environm...
In 2024, researchers tested crushed waste concrete as a base for Chesapeake oyster reefs; oyster spat grew and survived with no detectable hydrocarbon leachingIn the Chesapeake Bay, recycled concrete rubble is proving to be a nursery for young oysters. Scientists have discovered that this crushed ...
In a 2019 concrete study, replacing up to 30% of sand with waste tyre rubber increased impact resistance but reduced compressive strengthUtilizing discarded tyres in concrete significantly improves impact resistance. The incorporation of rubber allows structures to flex rathe...
In a 2015 Deakin University study, crushed waste glass replaced 30% of concrete sand; after 28 days, the recycled mix was 6% stronger than conventional concreteAustralian researchers found that crushed glass strengthens concrete mixtures effectively. Replacing sand with up to thirty percent recycle...
In an Australian study, waste glass replaced up to 60% of river sand in concrete; the recycled mix gained strength and resisted chloride penetrationEngineers in Australia have found that substituting sand with waste glass in concrete mixes can be beneficial. By using up to sixty percent...
In 2022, RMIT tested shredded masks, rubber gloves and isolation gowns in concrete; gloves raised strength by up to 22% and masks by up to 17%RMIT University researchers discovered shredded personal protective equipment strengthens concrete. Rubber gloves increased concrete streng...
In 2021, RMIT tested shredded face masks with recycled concrete for road bases; 1 kilometer could use 3 million masks and divert 93 tonnes from landfillEngineers from Australia have introduced an innovative strategy for converting used face masks into construction materials for roads. This ...
In 2019, Sydney replaced part of a busy road with concrete made from industrial waste. Five years later, the experiment had a surprising resultA road trial in Sydney tested the durability of concrete created from industrial waste, revealing impressive results. The geopolymer concre...
USA faces millions of tons of retired wind turbine blades; engineers from Houston found an unexpected second use for them.At the University of Houston, engineers are ingeniously repurposing retired wind turbine blades to construct highway overhead sign structur...
In 2021, Alabama started turning discarded Christmas trees into sand dunes: How old festive trees are now helping protect Gulf Coast beachesChristmas trees that were once the focal point of holiday celebrations are now playing a vital role in rebuilding sand dunes along Alabama'...
Along a 27-mile ring road, 8 million plants are climbing 2,000 concrete columns, fed by recycled rainwater from the road above, turning 15 acres of dead infrastructure into vertical gardens seen by driversEight million plants now grow on concrete columns along a ring road. These vertical gardens utilize hydroponic felt pouches and recycled ma...
Britain used discarded seafood waste and engineered reef habitats to solve the collapse of native oyster ecosystems; the result transformed lifeless seabeds into thriving underwater habitats capable of supporting oysters, fish, and countless marine speciesBritain is deploying concrete reef cubes and scallop shells to revive native oyster populations. These structures aim to provide essential ...
In 1990, U.S. conservationists repurposed thousands of discarded Christmas trees to slow coastal erosion. Thirty-six years later, the unusual experiment produced thriving wetlands, healthier wildlife habitats, and stronger natural defenses against stormsHow Recycled Christmas Trees Are Saving Louisiana’s Coastline: Louisiana has lost over 2,000 square miles of coastline since the 1930s. But...
In 1970, US dumped 2 million tires into the ocean; a plan to save marine life turned into one of the biggest environmental blundersIn 1972, more than 2 million old tires were dumped into the Atlantic Ocean off Florida. The goal was simple. Create an artificial reef and ...
In 2022, Ireland built a pedestrian bridge from two wind-turbine blades that were too difficult to recycleOld wind turbine blades are now supporting a footbridge in County Cork, Ireland. These blades, retired after their operational life, offer ...