MPC
Research Projects (2004-05)

Identifying Number

MPC-247

Project Title

Utilizing Recycled Glass in Roadways

University

University of Wyoming

Project Investigator

Khaled Ksaibati
University of Wyoming
(307)766-6230
khaled@uwyo.edu

External Project Contact

Mr. Glenn Sugano
Sweetwater County Solid Waste Disposal
District #1, P.O. Box 1493
Rock Springs, WY 82902
swsw@wyoming.com

Project Objective

The main objective of this research is first to evaluate the effectiveness of utilizing glass in roadways. A secondary objective is to determine the cost effectiveness of such utilization.

Project Abstract

The Wyoming Solid Waste and Recycling Association, a statewide organization made up of engineers, landfill and garbage collection officials as well as recycling managers recently inquired whether or not road construction might offer recycling opportunities for used glass. The WSWRA recently discussed the idea of using crushed or broken glass with the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT), but determined that WYDOT's large materials needs would create expensive shipping costs for the smaller road and bridge departmetns to offer crushed glass collected from the smaller community recycling centers so that the glass can be used as backfill for bridge abutments and culverts or replacing material that has been over-excavated from the subgrade.

Research is necessary to determine how well broken glass will stabilize in roadway embankments. It may be necessary to mix broken glass with other graded material so county road and bridge engineers will be able to develop uniform specifications for the backfill product. Also, research is needed to determine if broken glass might be added to unstable soils for use as a stabilization product since 100 percent glass material would not be affected by surplus moisture.

Once glass has been approved for use as a roadway material, small communities will be able to coordinate with county road and bridge departments or their city engineers for the crushing and use of glass as it is collected at local recycling centers. The recycling of glass will help reduce the volume of garbage deposited in local landfills as well as creating opportunities for the reuse of a natural product.

Task Descriptions

1. Perform a literature review on utilizing glass in roadways.
2. Select embankment materials for inclusion in the laboratory study.
3. Perform laboratory testing on the control materials and the materials containing glass.
4. Summarize the findings from the various testing.
5. Compare the findings from the control and experimental materials.
6. Perform a comprehensive statistical analysis on the collected data.
7. Deliver a final MPC report summarizing the findings of the study.

Milestones, Dates

Starting Date: July 1, 2004
Ending Date: June 30, 2005

Yearly and Total Budget

$81,400

Student Involvement

One undergraduate student

Relationship to Other Research Projects

The literature review did not reveal any other projects similar in nature.

Technology Transfer Activities

Transportation departments in region 8.

Potential Benefits of the Project

Increase the effective utilization of recycled glass in pavements in the Mountain-Plains region.

TRB Keywords

Pavement performance, recycled glass, embankment