Optimizing Recycled Aggregates for Unbound Pavement Layers: Performance, Durability, and Policy Recommendations

Tire-Derived Aggregates (TDAs) are lightweight, permeable materials produced from end-of-life tires. Their low unit weight, high porosity, and compressibility make them promising for pavement applications such as drainage system backfill and insulation to reduce frost penetration. However, limited research has evaluated their performance in large-scale drainage systems or how their behavior evolves under repeated seasonal cycles. This study investigates TDAs in two phases: (1) as backfill in subsurface pavement drainage layers and (2) as insulating material to mitigate frost heave and moisture-induced deformation in unbound layers. Large- scale test boxes will assess hydraulic performance, including drainage rate, saturation, and moisture retention. Freeze-thaw tests will evaluate vertical deformation, temperature gradients, and changes in stiffness. Seasonal variation in resilient modulus will be quantified and compared to conventional unbound materials. Results will generate new data on the dual role of TDAs in drainage and frost-heave mitigation. Deliverables include a final report, peer-reviewed publications, outreach to technical audiences, and student training in experimental pavement materials and design.

Language

• English

Project

• Status: Active
• Funding: $150,000.00
• Contract Numbers:

  69A3552344813

  69A3552348318

• Sponsor Organizations:

  Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology

  University Transportation Centers Program
  Department of Transportation
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Managing Organizations:

  National Center for Infrastructure Transformation

  Prairie View A&M University
  Prairie View, TX  United States  77446
• Performing Organizations:

  Michigan State University, East Lansing

  Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering
  Institute for Community Development
  East Lansing, MI  United States  48824-1226
• Principal Investigators:

  Lanotte, Michele

• Start Date: 20260201
• Expected Completion Date: 20270131
• Actual Completion Date: 20270131
• USDOT Program: University Transportation Centers
• Source Data: 03-25-MSU

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Freeze thaw durability; Pavement design; Pavement layers; Pavement performance
• Subject Areas: Highways; Materials; Pavements;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 02001922
• Record Type: Research project
• Source Agency: National Center for Infrastructure Transformation
• Contract Numbers: 69A3552344813, 69A3552348318
• Files: UTC, RIP
• Created Date: Sep 10 2026 9:27AM