RESEARCH ACTIVITIES: REUSE OF WASTE AND RECYCLED MATERIALS

Acceptable disposal of wastes is a growing problem. Because of its high-volume consumption of bulk materials, the transportation industry is under increasing pressure to use waste and recycled materials. However, there are concerns about the suitability of such materials for use in transportation infrastructure. State departments of transportation need information to make appropriate use of these materials. Several projects being conducted under the National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP), by the Federal Highway Administration, and by state departments of transportation will develop information, procedures, and methodologies to aid in the use of waste and recycled materials. This article contains examples of research projects dealing with this issue. The examples include NCHRP projects, FHWA projects, and projects sponsored by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.