Introduction

As global demands for sustainable infrastructure intensify and resource scarcity becomes a pressing concern, the integration of Recycled Materials and the adoption of Circular Economy principles have become indispensable for modern road construction. Moving beyond traditional linear "take-make-dispose" models, the circular economy in road construction emphasizes maximizing resource value, minimizing waste, and designing for longevity and recyclability. This training course is meticulously designed to equip civil engineers, pavement designers, contractors, materials suppliers, environmental specialists, and public works professionals with cutting-edge knowledge and practical strategies in identifying and characterizing various recycled materials (e.g., RAP, RAS, industrial byproducts, waste plastics), optimizing mix designs for their inclusion, understanding their performance implications, implementing sustainable construction practices, conducting life cycle assessments (LCA), and navigating the policy and economic frameworks that support a truly circular road infrastructure. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of how to transition towards environmentally responsible and economically viable road projects that contribute significantly to climate resilience and resource efficiency.

Target Audience

• Civil Engineers (Pavement, Environmental)
• Road Construction Contractors
• Materials Engineers & Scientists
• Pavement Designers
• Public Works & Highway Agency Staff
• Environmental Consultants
• Sustainability Managers in Construction
• Researchers in Sustainable Infrastructure

Objectives

• Understand the core principles of the circular economy applied to road construction.
• Identify and characterize various types of recycled materials suitable for road applications.
• Master the techniques for incorporating recycled asphalt pavement (RAP) and recycled asphalt shingles (RAS) into mixes.
• Explore the use of industrial byproducts (e.g., slag, fly ash) and waste materials (e.g., plastics, glass) in pavements.
• Design and optimize pavement mixes containing high percentages of recycled materials.
• Evaluate the performance characteristics and long-term durability of recycled material-based pavements.
• Implement sustainable construction practices that minimize waste and energy consumption.
• Conduct basic life cycle assessments (LCA) for road projects using recycled materials.
• Understand the environmental, economic, and social benefits of circular road construction.
• Navigate regulatory frameworks and specifications for using recycled materials.
• Develop strategies for promoting and implementing circular economy principles in road infrastructure projects.

Course Content

Module 1. Introduction to Circular Economy in Road Construction

• Principles of the circular economy: reduce, reuse, recycle, recover
• Linear vs. circular models in infrastructure development
• The imperative for sustainability in road construction
• Environmental and economic benefits of adopting circular principles
• Case studies of successful circular road projects globally

Module 2. Understanding Recycled Asphalt Pavement (RAP)

• RAP Properties: Characterization of RAP materials (binder content, gradation, aging).
• Processing and stockpiling of RAP.
• Mix design considerations for RAP inclusion (cold mix, hot mix).
• Impact of RAP on fresh mix properties and performance.
• Specification requirements and common challenges with RAP.

Module 3. Recycled Asphalt Shingles (RAS) and Other Asphalt Waste

• RAS Sources: Types of RAS and their characteristics (tear-offs, manufacturing waste).
• Processing and sizing of RAS for pavement use.
• Mix design guidelines for incorporating RAS in HMA.
• Performance implications of RAS on rutting, cracking, and stiffness.
• Emerging uses and research on other asphalt-based wastes.

Module 4. Industrial Byproducts in Road Construction

• Fly Ash: Properties and applications in cementitious materials and unbound layers.
• Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBS) as a cementitious binder.
• Steel slag and its use as aggregate or unbound base material.
• Foundry sand and other industrial wastes: properties and potential applications.
• Regulatory acceptance and performance assessment of industrial byproducts.

Module 5. Waste Plastics and Rubbers in Pavements

• Waste Plastics: Types of plastics suitable for asphalt modification.
• Processing methods for plastic waste incorporation (dry process, wet process).
• Crumb Rubber Modified (CRM) asphalt: wet and dry processes.
• Performance enhancements and challenges of plastic/rubber modified mixes.
• Environmental considerations and leaching tests.

Module 6. Recycled Concrete Aggregate (RCA) and Masonry Waste

• RCA Production: Sources, processing, and quality control of RCA.
• Properties of RCA: density, absorption, strength.
• Applications of RCA in unbound layers (subbase, base) and lean concrete.
• Use of RCA in new concrete pavements and structures.
• Challenges and best practices for RCA utilization.

Module 7. Other Waste Materials and Alternative Binders

• Glass Cullet: Use in granular layers and asphalt mixes.
• Tire Derived Aggregate (TDA) for lightweight fills and drainage.
• Biosolids, municipal solid waste (MSW) ash, and their potential in roads.
• Bio-binders and other alternative sustainable binders.
• Assessing the environmental safety and performance of novel waste materials.

Module 8. Mix Design Optimization for Recycled Materials

• Blending Principles: Accounting for binder and aggregate contributions from recycled materials.
• Volumetric design adjustments for high RAP/RAS mixes.
• Performance-based mix design approaches for sustainability.
• Adjusting virgin material percentages for optimal performance and cost.
• Validation of mix designs using performance tests with recycled materials.

Module 9. Performance Evaluation of Sustainable Pavements

• Durability: Assessing rutting, fatigue cracking, and low-temperature cracking of recycled mixes.
• Moisture sensitivity and aging characteristics.
• Long-term performance monitoring of pavements with recycled materials.
• Comparison of performance with conventional mixes.
• Field case studies demonstrating performance over time.

Module 10. Sustainable Construction Practices

• Energy Efficiency: Reducing energy consumption in asphalt production and paving.
• Minimizing greenhouse gas emissions during construction.
• Water conservation practices in road construction.
• On-site recycling and mobile plant operations.
• Best practices for waste management on construction sites.

Module 11. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) for Road Projects

• LCA Methodology: Introduction to LCA principles and framework (ISO 14040/44).
• Defining the scope, boundaries, and functional unit for road LCA.
• Data collection for environmental impacts (energy, emissions, materials).
• Interpretation of LCA results for decision-making.
• Software tools for performing LCA in road construction.

Module 12. Policy, Standards, and Specifications

• Regulatory Frameworks: National and international policies supporting circular economy.
• Current standards and specifications for using recycled materials in roads.
• Certification and labeling schemes for sustainable construction materials.
• Procurement policies that promote recycled content.
• Overcoming policy barriers to widespread adoption.

Module 13. Economic Viability and Business Models

• Cost-benefit analysis of using recycled materials in road construction.
• Economic Incentives: Grants, tax credits, and carbon credits for sustainable practices.
• New business models for resource recovery and material supply chains.
• Market drivers and barriers for circular road infrastructure.
• Public-private partnerships in sustainable road development.

Module 14. Challenges and Risk Management

• Quality Control Challenges: Variability of recycled material properties.
• Ensuring consistent performance and durability.
• Environmental concerns (e.g., leaching, hazardous substances).
• Public perception and acceptance of recycled content roads.
• Risk mitigation strategies in project planning and execution.

Module 15. Future Trends and Research in Circular Road Construction

• Advanced Characterization: Next-generation testing for recycled materials.
• Self-healing materials and smart pavements for enhanced longevity.
• Digital platforms for material exchange and waste tracking.
• Bio-based materials and carbon capture technologies in asphalt.
• Roadmaps for achieving full circularity in road infrastructure.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 7 working days before commencement of the training.