Sustainable Application of Fine Recycled-Concrete Aggregate in Soil-Nailing Grout

Abstract

The use of construction and demolition waste is an effective solution to mitigate their environmental impacts and avoid dispose in landfills. This paper aims to evaluate the use of fine recycled-concrete aggregate (FRCA) in grout mixtures used in soil nailing. Compressive strength tests on FRCA grout were carried out at different curing ages and interface shear strength was measured between soil and grout. Properties of a commonly used cement grout are compared with those of sand-cement grout and FRCA-cement grout. Although the FRCA grout shows a lower compressive strength compared to commonly used grout and sand-cement grout, its measured properties still meet the minimum standards requirements. The interface friction angle and adhesion of the FRCA exhibit higher values compared to those measured at the soil–soil interface. The grout mixtures evaluated in this study indicated that it is possible to use 1.126 kg of FRCA for each cubic meter of grout. The consumptions of cement and water were found to be 42% and 24% lower, respectively. This represents approximately 380 kg less of CO2 emissions into the atmosphere per cubic meter. The use of FRCA in soil nail grouting can be a sustainable alternative to reduce environmental impacts, cement consumption, and greenhouse gas emission.