Evaluation of Recycled Brick Waste Aggregates as a Sustainable Substitute in Cement Treated Base

Recycling industrial waste to obtain secondary raw materials is a key focus of environmental policy and circular economy strategies. One such industrial waste, recycled brick waste (RBW), is characterized by high pollution and low recycling rates. This paper evaluates the effects of graded replacement of various RBW sizes as a substitute for coarse and fine natural aggregate (NA) on the mechanical properties and durability of cement treated base (CTB). The novelty of this study lies in the durability evaluation of four types of CTB, including natural, recycled, and mixed CTB. RBW and NA materials are characterized and compared, and the mechanical properties and durability of CTB with RBW materials are analyzed and compared to CTB with 100% NA. The results show that the mixes containing waste bricks exhibit comparable mechanical characteristics and could be used in layers of pavement foundations. Additionally, the durability of the mixes containing RBW yields better results compared to blends containing NA.