Delivering a business strategy - Case Study Example

Using Recycled PCC as Aggregate in New PCC Research Problem and Background As clearly d, weakening virgin aggregate supplies makes both the concrete industry and the NJDOT, in their best interest, to consider using recycled PCC as new PCC’s aggregate. Sources of local aggregates, for several years in New Jersey, have led to increased costs due to scarcity, for the high costs of aggregate transportation (Arnold 54). Use of recycled concrete has several advantageous impacts; provide aggregate source in addition, reduce associated costs incurred during construction materials disposal, conserve the available resources and also conserve the region’s limited landfill space.

Some economic, engineering and environment benefits are provided by RCA, as other states have found (Arnold 54). However, these recycled concrete aggregates (RCA) have to meet NJDOT’s quality needs in case they are to be used in PCC. Only 11 states permit use of RCA in PCC, while all but 13 states allow the use of it in base aggregate. Some states also permit its use as miscellaneous aggregate and in HMA (Malinger 26). Through the crushing / grinding of concrete pavements or any waste concrete, RCA is produced, after the removing any reinforcing steel.

In the same way the production of aggregate from virgin materials is, production of required gradations is too- through screening and crushing (Malinger 26). However, significant differences between virgin aggregates and RCA have led officials in state transportation in Muchials and New Jersey in adopting RCA as aggregate for PCC acceptably (Arnold 54). The presence of mortar adhering to the Recycled aggregates or cement paste reduces density, increases drying shrinkage, and increases porosity in PCC.

The presence of contaminants as well as the quality of the being recycles original concrete are all problems that should be taken in concern additionally (Malinger 24). The two primary sources for use in PCC, of stockpiled RCA are precasters who are interested in reusing surplus materials and class B recyclers who crush and accept concrete waste. Before RCA is implemented, those are the issues that must be addressed. Another important component of the project is the preliminary review that has been provided for the expansion of this work, as a part of this proposal (Arnold 54).

As the proposers believe, an extensive field installation plan is likely to result to open-ended and long research projects, which address the use of Recycled Concrete Aggregates in PCC. Due to this reason, proposals have been made to include field installation as part of part of the work (Arnold 54). The field installation be limited to applications of lower risks that permit the recommendations and specifications to be tested, controllably. The results could then address the issues arising from initial field trials or be used to inform on efforts of the future that will be needed under new contracts (Malinger 24).

Sustainability Several different ways are provided to sustainability by recycling concrete. This recycling reduces the amount of material to be landfilled. The concrete becomes aggregate and any other embedded metals can be recycled as well after removal. As landfills space becomes premium, it helps reduce the landfills need as well as reduces the impact of the project economically (Arnold 54). Moreover, it reduces the virgin aggregates need. In turn, this reduces the aggregate extraction process’ environmental impact.

By removing both the new material needs for production and the waste disposal, the requirements for transportation for the project are reduced significantly (Malinger 23). Additional to the aspect of resource management, RCA absorb large amounts of Carbon Dioxide from the environment. From the surface inwards, the natural process of carbonation occurs. In the process of creating RCA by crushing concrete, areas that are not carbonated are exposed to the atmosphere’s carbon dioxide (Arnold 54).

The LEED Green Building Rating System can recognize the recycled concrete. The use of recycled aggregates in the place of extracted aggregates would generally qualify as being post-consumer. Since concrete is considered an assembly, then its recycled content has to be calculated as recycled material percentage on a mass basis (Arnold 54). Obtaining credit for Cost Waste Management can be done. By awarding at least half the by mass of construction, land clearing waste from the disposal of landfill as well as demolition credit is awarded.

Concrete is a heavy construction material relatively and therefore is recycled into aggregate for construction fill or road bases, frequently (Arnold 54).Work CitedArnold, Gates. "Recycled Concrete Aggregate in Portland Cement Concrete." 2014. University Transportation Research Center. 26 November 2014 .Malinger, Scott. "Construction and Demolition Recycling." 2014. Calrecycle. 26 November 2014 .