A review: waste materials as sustainable pavement materials

Bujang, Mastura and Ting, Michelle Sze Hui and Leong, Wen Kam and Lim, Yong Tat and Wan Azahar, Wan Nur Aifa (2026) A review: waste materials as sustainable pavement materials. BORNEO JOURNAL OF SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGY (BJoST), 8 (2). pp. 39-55. E-ISSN 2672-7439

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Abstract

Traditional pavement construction relies heavily on natural aggregates and bitumen, contributing to resource depletion and increased carbon emissions. This review systematically analyses studies published between 2012 and 2024 on the incorporation of various waste materials, namely reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP), recycled concrete aggregate (RCA), waste tiles, waste plastics, crumb rubber, and waste glass into pavement construction. Using a structured systematic literature review method, the selected research was evaluated and compared based on mechanical performance, durability characteristics, and environmental impacts. Findings from the reviewed studies reveal several notable trends: the incorporation of RAP (10–40%) and RCA (530%) generally maintains or improves stiffness and rutting resistance; waste plastics and crumb rubber typically enhance flexibility and fatigue life by 1540%; and waste glass and waste tiles can improve skid resistance and compressive strength when used as partial aggregate replacements. Additionally, most studies reported reductions in embodied carbon ranging from 10–50% depending on the waste type and replacement level. Overall, the review demonstrates that the utilisation of waste materials is a viable and sustainable strategy to improve pavement performance, reduce reliance on virgin materials, and lower environmental impacts. These insights highlight promising directions for future research and support the potential for large-scale implementation in sustainable pavement engineering.

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Waste materials, Pavement, Sustainability, Green Environment, Utilization.
Subjects:	T Technology > TE Highway engineering. Roads and pavements T Technology > TE Highway engineering. Roads and pavements > TE250 Pavement and paved roads
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Engineering > Department of Civil Engineering Kulliyyah of Engineering
Depositing User:	Dr. WAN NUR AIFA WAN AZAHAR
Date Deposited:	02 Jul 2026 14:39
Last Modified:	02 Jul 2026 14:39
Queue Number:	2026-06-Q3738
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/129436

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