Eco-trench: a novel trench solution based on reusing excavated material and a finishing layer of expansive concrete

A. Blanco; P. Pujadas; C. Fernández; S. H.P. Cavalaro; A. Aguado

doi:10.3989/mc.2017.05316

Authors

A. Blanco Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4190-9846
P. Pujadas Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5634-7431
C. Fernández Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7106-5181
S. H.P. Cavalaro Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9368-0898
A. Aguado Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5542-6365

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3989/mc.2017.05316

Keywords:

Concrete, Mixture proportion, Expansion, Finite element method, Shrinkage

Abstract

Installing utility pipelines generates a significant amount of trench arisings, which are usually transported to landfills instead of being reused as backfill material. This practice generates CO₂ emissions and wastes raw materials. This paper presents a more sustainable solution, an eco-trench, which is based on re-using trench arisings as backfill and adding a top layer of expansive concrete to improve the eco-trench’s structural performance. The technical feasibility of the eco-trench was evaluated through a finite element model, which identified the degree of expansion in concrete required to avoid failure or subside the stresses caused by traffic. The potential expansion of concrete was measured under confined conditions in the laboratory by means of a novel test developed for this purpose. The results showed that adding calcium oxide generates the required internal stress. The results were then confirmed in a pilot experience.

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