Sugarcane bagasse ash stabilization of reclaimed asphalt pavement as highway material

Abstract

Massive sugarcane bagasse ash waste is generated from the combustion of fibrous residue of sugarcane . Also, highway reconstruction work generates large volume of reclaimed asphalt pavements that are disposed as waste . This paper present results of stabilization and laboratory evaluation of the characteristics of these wastes with a view to determine its suitability as flexible pavement material. The mixtures were subjected to reduced British standard light (reduced Proctor), British standard light (standard Proctor), West African standard and British standard heavy compactive efforts to determine the compaction characteristics, California bearing ratio, durability and water absorption characteristics of the mixes. Test results show that the properties of reclaimed asphalt pavements waste improved with sugarcane bagasse ash stabilisation. The maximum dry density decreased as the optimum moisture content increased with higher sugarcane bagasse ash contents in the mixes. Maximum California bearing ratio values of 28% (unsoaked) and 14% (soaked for 24 h) were recorded for 50% RAP + 50% SCBA mix that satisfied durability requirements and can be used as subgrade material in flexible pavement construction. This research is based on CBR determination. Further work may be encouraged to assess resilient modulus of this material under cyclic load.