Performance Evaluation of Concrete Masonry Units Containing Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) Aggregate as Partial Replacement for Natural Aggregate

International Journal of Civil Engineering

© 2025 by SSRG - IJCE Journal

Volume 12 Issue 3

Year of Publication : 2025

Authors : E.F. Domingcil, B.S. Villaverde

10.14445/23488352/IJCE-V12I3P112

How to Cite?

E.F. Domingcil, B.S. Villaverde, "Performance Evaluation of Concrete Masonry Units Containing Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) Aggregate as Partial Replacement for Natural Aggregate," SSRG International Journal of Civil Engineering, vol. 12,  no. 3, pp. 126-141, 2025. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.14445/23488352/IJCE-V12I3P112

Abstract:

Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) fragments, featured in Concrete Masonry Units (CMUs), are acquired through the crushing and pulverizing of levelled asphalt pavements. RAP has become an economically prudent and environment-friendly option in lieu of conventional aggregates used in construction. In Qatar, RAP materials are being used in bituminous asphalt mixes; however, there is still a high volume of RAP that is underutilized. Examining how these RAP-containing CMUs perform is the main thrust of this inquiry. Natural aggregates and RAP are mixed in six (6) varying proportions (0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% and 50%), with RAP serving as a partial replacement to 5mm nominal size natural coarse aggregates. The evaluation focuses on the performance of two critical parameters, namely compressive strength and water absorption of the CMUs. According to the Qatar Construction Specifications 2014, CMUs are permitted to be composed of up to 50% recycled aggregates for the target compressive strength of 7.0 MPa or higher, with average water absorption not exceeding 7% and no individual block having greater than 7.5%. Results of the study revealed that while compressive strength significantly declined, there was a slight decrease in water absorption for samples with Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) particles. Internal and external non-load-bearing walls, roof blocks and protective skin foundations are examples of structures that can utilize concrete masonry units with up to 50% RAP replacement; however, these cannot be used as load-bearing walls, soakaways and manholes.

Keywords:

Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP), Concrete Masonry Unit (CMU), Recycling, Water absorption, Compressive strength.

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