Project 2.12: Evaluation of Processed Glass Aggregate for Utilization in Transportation Projects as A Sand Burrow.

Evaluation of Processed Glass Aggregate for Utilization in Transportation Projects as A Sand Burrow.

Project 2.12

Project Summary

“Sand borrow” is a sand-like material most commonly used as a subbase under pavements. To provide good drainage and protect the pavement from frost heaves, the sand borrow material is required to have a low content of small particles. Sources of sand borrow material however are diminishing. Processed glass aggregate (PGA), produced from recycled glass, has a high potential to be used as a substitute for sand borrow. The current specifications in our region however prevent widespread use of PGA because of lack of reliable methods to determine deleterious materials (e.g. plastic, paper) in PGA and how it impacts PGA’s engineering performance. The overarching goal of this project is therefore to catalyze the use of PGA as a substitute for increasingly scarce sand borrow material in transportation projects in Vermont, in New England, and beyond. The project not only alleviates the scarcity of these high quality construction materials faced by transportation projects, but also promotes sustainability by reducing the consumption of natural resources, minimizing greenhouse gas emissions and reducing waste going to landfills, a win-win for transportation sector and solid waste facilities.

Principal Investigator

Dr. Mandar Dewoolkar

Co-PIs

Dr. Matthew Scarborough
Dr. Gregory Rowangould
Dr. Ehsan Ghazanfari
Dr. Ting Tan

Institution:

The University of Vermont

Project Status

Active

Project Cost

$270,795

Start Date

10/01/2020

Project Type

Base-funded

End Date

08/31/2023

Agency ID

69A3551847101

Sponsors:

Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology, University Transportation Centers Program, Department of Transportation, The University of Vermont, VTrans, Chittenden Solid Waste District.

Implementation of Research Outcomes:

This project is in its initial research phase. Implementation of research outcomes will be reported upon completion of the research outputs.

Impacts and Benefits of Implementation:

This project is in its research phase. Impacts and benefits of the research will be reported after the implementation phase.

Printable Project Information Sheet

March 2021 Quarterly Progress Report

June 2021 Quarterly Progress Report

September 2021 Quarterly Progress Report

December 2021 Quarterly Progress Report

March 2022 Quarterly Progress Report

June 2022 Quarterly Progress Report

September 2022 Quarterly Progress Report