The Use of Industrial Materials in Highway and Road Construction
November 1-2, 2011
Austin, Texas

 

The engineering feasibility of using recycled materials has been demonstrated in research, field studies, experimental projects and long-term performance testing and analysis. Significant advances in technology over the past decade have increased the types of recycled materials in use and the range of their applications. When appropriately used, recycled materials can effectively and safely reduce cost, save time, offer equal or, in some cases, significant improvement to performance qualities, and provide long-term environmental benefits.

FHWA has established agency goals for enhancing the human and natural environment, increasing mobility, raising productivity, improving safety throughout the highway industry, and preserving national security. All of these goals are stated in the FHWA strategic plan, and the FHWA will assure that the recycling policy and recycling programs are in alignment with those goals and underlying principles.

The FHWA recycling policy statement is offered to advance the use of recycled materials in highway applications. It is intended to provide leadership, direction, and technical guidance to the transportation community for the use of recycling technology and materials in the highway environment.

The FHWA policy is:

• Recycling and reuse can offer engineering, economic and environmental benefits.
• Recycled materials should get first consideration in materials selection.
• Determination of the use of recycled materials should include an initial review of engineering and environmental suitability.
• An assessment of economic benefits should follow in the selection process.
• Restrictions that prohibit the use of recycled materials without technical basis should be removed from specifications.

FHWA has a longstanding position that any material used in highway or bridge construction, be it virgin or recycled, and shall not adversely affect the performance, safety or the environment of the highway system. This remains a cornerstone in our policy statement. In order to foster innovation and future development we support research, field trials, and project demonstrations showcasing the findings.

The partnership between FHWA and the Industrial Resources Council (IRC) is an example of the policy to enhance and encourage the use of industrial byproducts in highway and road construction.

The Industrial Byproducts conference will have presentations from FHWA on their programs that encourage the use of recycled materials, presentations from state department of transportation officials on their use of industrial byproducts and case study presentations on each of the six industrial materials represented by the IRC.

The byproducts to be discussed include: construction and demolition materials, residuals from pulp and paper mills, foundry sand, coal ash, steel slag and tire-derived aggregate.

The goals of this conference are to provide pertinent information on practical applications for each of the six materials, including construction environmental issues, standards and material availability.