|
Overview
Historically, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has
used recycled materials in transportation projects. The FDOT is
involved nationally and is working with the Recycled Materials
Resource Center (www.rmrc.unh.edu)
and the American Association of Highway and Transportation Officials
to develop guidelines and specifications for the use of recycled
materials in highway projects.
The
Department's objective is to create additional specifications for
recycled resources and to remove any restrictions that may prevent
the use of these materials in existing specifications. Criteria that
typically govern the use of a recycled material include
environmental conditions, economics and availability.
Generally, when any of the following conditions are met, the use of
a recycled material is encouraged:
-
the recycled material performs as well or better than the
material it replaces;
-
the use of a recycled material minimizes the impact on limited
resources; or
-
the use of the recycled material does not exceed the cost of the
material it replaces.
Many
reclaimed materials have already been identified by the Department
for project use. Some examples include coal combustion fly ash in
concrete; recycled asphalt in pavement; recycled plastic in
guardrail offset blocks and flexible delineator posts; and ground
tire rubber in asphalt pavement. In addition, cities and counties
often utilize FDOT specifications; therefore, recycled materials are
frequently incorporated into projects beyond the scope of the
Department.
The
FDOT will continually strive to protect the environment by
identifying new applications where reclaimed materials can be
effectively incorporated into the state's highway system.
Additional Information
For
additional information on the FDOT's highway recycling efforts,
please select one of the following links:
|
