Institute for Transportation

About the research

The Every Day Counts (EDC) initiative is a Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) effort that acknowledges the need for sustainable practices. According to the FHWA Administrator, the initiative is “designed to identify and deploy innovation aimed at shortening project delivery, enhancing the safety of our roadways, and protecting the environment”. The use of recycled concrete aggregates (RCA) in new concrete paving mixtures is an example of innovation that aligns well the goals of the EDC initiative.

RCA used in new concrete paving mixtures can expedite construction schedules, reduce waste and associated hauling cost, conserve resources of virgin aggregates, and potentially reduce project costs. The Technology Deployment Plan presented herein is aimed at addressing the barriers that limit the use of RCA in new concrete paving mixtures. The Plan recognizes barriers grouped into three primary categories: compliance, quality, and production. In order to overcome these barriers, the Plan includes the creation of a Technical Working Group (TWG) and four programs: Outreach and Communication, Training, Technical Support, and Demonstration Projects. Through coordinated efforts by the TWG, the tasks developed and carried out under each program will mark forward progress towards achieving a future where RCA is used as a commonly accepted alternative to virgin aggregates for new concrete paving mixtures.