Sustainable regenerated binding materials (RBM) utilizing industrial solid wastes for soil and aggregate stabilization

This study presents an experimental investigation on a sustainable regenerated binding material (RBM), which is derived from several industrial solid wastes. Initially, the hydration process, mechanical behaviors, and microstructural characteristics of the RBM were investigated. Subsequently, the feasibility of RBM for the stabilization of macadam, expansive soil, and weathered sand was evaluated. The results reveal that in comparison with the ordinary Portland cement (OPC), the RBM exhibits a slightly faster hydration rate at the initial stage and comparable mechanical performance. For the stabilized macadam, the one stabilized by the RBM exhibits better unconfined compressive strength, scouring resistance and freeze-thaw resistance than the counterpart stabilized by OPC. Furthermore, the RBM can significantly improve the performance index of the expansive soil and weathered sand, and this enhancement is more significant as the RBM content increasing. Additionally, the RBM has been successfully applied in practical engineering, manifesting the promising application potential of the RBM. Overall, the excellent performance of RBM as an alternative stabilizer of the subgrade soil and aggregates can promote the application of the RBM low-carbon pavement construction in the future. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.