B5150 - RAW AND RECYCLED CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS FOR TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURES

Learning outcomes

The course aims to provide students with a broad spectrum of knowledge on the use of virgin and recycled materials in the construction of roads, railways and airports. From the characterization of the different lithic resources obtained from quarries, up to the recycling processes of Construction and Demolition waste materials with particular reference to "reclaimed asphalt", the course deals with the most widespread standardized testing methods, along with the more scientifically advanced ones adopted for research purposes. Students will then refer the study of the materials’ use in pavement layers or in other parts of the construction in the form of bound or unbound mixtures, which in turn can be characterized on site or in the laboratory according to the existing specifications. On recycled materials, ample space is given to recycling processes and performance comparisons with natural and artificial virgin materials. The construction and quality controls of the infrastructure represent a fundamental knowledge for those working in the field of transportation infrastructures: these topics will also be addressed with the help of case histories. Finally, the course will focus on the application of the most common models for the LCA/LCC study of materials and their consequent use in construction.

Course contents

SECTION 1: Bearing capacity and Type of Infrastructures

SECTION 2: Compaction – Densification– Testing density (Proctor) and bearing capacity (CBR)

SECTION 3: Subgrade soil improvement: lime and lime/cement stabilization, soil replacement

SECTION 4: Virgin Natural (quarried/excavated), artificial (LWA, etc), recycled (C&D, RAP, etc.) aggregates.

SECTION 5: Laboratory testing methods for aggregates (standards methods, volumetrics, leaching, etc.)

SECTION 6: Construction of Embankments and in situ testing

SECTION 7: Capping and Foundation layers: functions and construction

SECTION 8: Cement bound layers: mix-design methods

SECTION 9: Asphalt concretes: basics

SECTION 10: Case history of an experimental recycled road pavement and LCA of its materials.

Readings/Bibliography

The subject is wide and there is no specific book or reading to entirely cover the course.

A number of textbooks and papers will be mentioned during the lectures.

Teaching methods

Lectures will be imparted in the classroom with slides and projected documents.

Assessment methods

Achievements will be assessed by the means of a final exam. This is based on an analytical assessment of the "expected learning outcomes" described above.

In order to properly assess such achievement the examination is composed of different sections and it is normally oral. When possible, the student will be allowed to write part of the answers and formulas to ease the assessment process.

The oral session, consists of a technical conversation on three different topics among the course ones.

Higher grades will be awarded to students who demonstrate an organic understanding of the subject, a high ability for critical application, and a clear and concise presentation of the contents.

To obtain a passing grade, students are required to at least demonstrate a knowledge of the key concepts of the subject, some ability for critical application, and a comprehensible use of technical language.

Teaching tools

Students can download the lecture notes from the Virtuale webpage.

These are colour slides with specific notes and comments.

Slides are updated each year.

Office hours

See the website of Cesare Sangiorgi