Geotechnical characterization of a recycled sand for use in geosynthetic reinforced soil structures (GRSS)

Abstract

The construction industry (CI) is an important sector of the economy, once it generates many jobs directly and indirectly. However, the CI causes intense extraction of raw natural and produces large volumes of construction and demolition waste (CDW). Recycling this waste appears as an environmentally friendly destination. Recycled construction and demolition waste (RCDW) has shown wide applicability in geotechnical works. In this scenario, this study presents the geotechnical characterization (physical and mechanical properties) of a RCDW (called “brown sand”). The RCDW samples were collected during a long period to verify the properties’ variability. The characterization of the material used the methods usually performed in geotechnical characterization of soils. The investigation of the RCDW mechanical properties was carried out by direct shear tests. Analysis revealed that the RCDW presented particle size distribution curves with low variability and very close to the limits stated by some International Standards for reinforced soil backfill material. Direct shear tests showed the material has excellent values of friction angle and significant values of cohesion. It is concluded that the RCDW revealed to be a material with excellent geotechnical properties, which makes it an interesting material to be used in geotechnical works and very attractive due to the environmental aspects.