Investigation of the construction and demolition materials reinforced by geosynthetics

Many researchers suggest using construction and demolition materials in engineering applications (C & D) rather than virgin aggregates (VA). However, the engineering properties of the C & D tend to be poorer than those of the VA. This study presents the results of plate loading tests performed on unpaved roads with the C & D, reinforced by different types of geosynthetics on the soft subgrade. As part of these tests, the effects of some geosynthetics' parameters such as (1) the embedment depth, (2) height and pocket opening of geocell, (3) the embedment depths and number of geogrids, (4) the distance between geogrids, and (5) the stiffness of geotextile on the bearing capacity of the unpaved road were investigated. Besides, the same plate loading test was also conducted on an unpaved road built by the VA. As a result of this study, although the performance of the C & D was determined to be less than that of the VA, it was concluded that the C & D performed well enough to be used as an alternative to the VA on unpaved roads. Besides, with a very small number of geosynthetics, it was determined that the C & D could have a better performance than that of the VA.