J. Inst. Eng. India Ser.
A (June 2018) 99(2):165–181
https://doi.org/10.1007/s40030-018-0286-7
ORIGINAL CONTRIBUTION
A Factorial Design Approach to Analyse the Effect of Coarse
Recycled Concrete Aggregates on the Properties of Hot Mix
Asphalt
Kiranbala Tanty1 • Bibhuti Bhusan Mukharjee1 • Sudhanshu Shekhar Das1
Received: 6 July 2017 / Accepted: 8 February 2018 / Published online: 15 February 2018
 The Institution of Engineers (India) 2018
Abstract The present study investigates the effect of
replacement of coarse fraction of natural aggregates by
recycled concrete aggregates on the properties of hot mix
asphalt (HMA) using general factorial design approach.
For this two factors i.e. recycled coarse aggregates per-
centage [RCA (%)] and bitumen content percentage [BC
(%)] are considered. Tests have been carried out on the
HMA type bituminous concrete, prepared with varying
RCA (%) and BC (%). Analysis of variance has been
performed on the experimental data to determine the effect
of the chosen factors on various parameters such as sta-
bility, flow, air void, void mineral aggregate, void filled
with bitumen and bulk density. The study depicts that RCA
(%) and BC (%) have significant effect on the selected
responses as p value is less than the chosen significance
level. In addition to above, the outcomes of the statistical
analysis indicate that interaction between factors have
significant effects on void mineral aggregate and bulk
density of bituminous concrete.
Keywords ANOVA

Coarse recycled concrete aggregates
Hot mix asphalt
Introduction
Currently, recycling of waste materials collected from
construction and demolition sites has been encouraged
throughout the world. Minimization of overall construction
& Bibhuti Bhusan Mukharjee
bibhuti.2222@gmail.com
1
Department of Civil Engineering, Veer Surendra Sai
University of Technology, Sambalpur, Odisha, India
cost, reduction of pollution and preservation of natural
resources are the major objectives for recycling of con-
struction and demolition waste. In addition to above, lack
of natural aggregates for construction of roads is forcing
for the use of alternatives. Aggregates prepared after
screening, crushing and sieving on waste concrete is ter-
med as recycled aggregates. The coarse fraction (retained
on 4.75 mm sieve) of recycled concrete aggregates is
popularly known as recycled coarse aggregates (RCA),
consists of original coarse aggregate with old adhered
mortar. The adhered mortar is less dense, porous, with high
water absorption capacity and lower strength, responsible
for inferior characteristics of RCA compared to coarse
natural aggregates [1]. Initially, these aggregates were used
as filler material in construction of pavements. In recent
times, the utilization of recycled concrete aggregates for
construction of pavements has been increasing drastically
owing to the environmental benefits and reduction of cost
[2–9]. Several researchers demonstrated the suitability of
recycled concrete aggregates for use in pavements [10, 11].
Hill et al. [12] performed repeated load tri-axial test and
indirect tensile test on the RCA and stated that these
materials possessed mechanical properties to fulfil the
standard specifications. Increase in the optimum moisture
content and reduction in maximum dry density of the sub-
base materials was detected with the use 100% recycled
coarse aggregates [10].
The influence of incorporation of recycled concrete
aggregates on properties of hot mix asphalt (HMA) has
been extensively documented in existing literature. Wong
et al. [13] found that the mix design parameters such as air
voids (Va), voids filled with binder (VFB), stability, and
flow of the mixes made with recycled concrete aggregates
had satisfied the Marshall criteria of the Singapore Land
Transport Authority. Therefore, the study recommended
123
166 J. Inst. Eng. India Ser. A (June 2018) 99(2):165–181

the use of recycled concrete aggregates in bituminous Table 2 Aggregate gradation of NCA and RCA for bituminous
mixes. In addition to above, Gabr and Cameron [14] found concrete
that recycled concrete aggregate products fulfilled the the Sieve size (mm) % Passing NCA % RCA
minimum requirement of resilient modulus. Rafi et al. [15]
19 100 100
investigated the Marshall performance of HMA made of a
combination of natural and recycled aggregates. In this 13.2 95 93
study, two sources of recycled aggregate (fine or coarse) 9.5 79 76
along with three replacement levels were considered. The 4.75 62 65
volume of Va, voids in mineral aggregate (VMA), and 2.36 50 54
optimum bitumen contents (OBC) was found to be higher 1.18 41 43
in mixes containing fine fraction as compared to mixes 0.6 32 36
made with coarse fraction of recycled concrete aggregates. 0.3 23 21
Zulkati et al. [16] demonstrated that the HMA containing 0.15 16 14
recycled concrete aggregates as partial substitution of 0.075 7 6
natural aggregates had properties similar to mix made with NCA natural course aggregate
100% natural aggregates. Pasandı́n and Pérez [17] con-
cluded that HMA prepared with 5, 10, 20, 30% recycled
concrete aggregates and 5% bitumen had exhibited higher Los Angeles abrasion, and lower density than the
mechanical properties similar to those obtained for control crushed stone aggregates; however, the bituminous mixes
mixtures made with natural aggregates. made with 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% recycled aggregates
Pourtahmasb et al. [18] used adaptive neuro-fuzzy showed acceptable results for use in HMA [17, 19–23].
methodology for prediction of resilient modulus based on a Design of experiments is a useful technique used for
series of experiments carried out on HMA containing determination of significance of factors and their interac-
recycled concrete aggregates. The results indicated that tions when a process is dependent upon several factors
increase in replacement of virgin aggregates by recycled [24]. Several studies related to the application of factorial
aggregates showed higher resilient modulus value and design of experiment in the area of recycled aggregates are
creep resistance. Moreover, HMA containing recycled available in existing literature [25–28]. Shen and Du [29]
aggregates required less energy for compaction as com- examined the effect of incorporation of reclaimed building
pared to control mixtures. Pasandı́n et al. [19] demon- materials on permanent deformation performance of HMA
strated HMA containing recycled concrete aggregates had using analyses of variance (ANOVA). The ANOVA results
higher OBC than control mixtures mainly due to the high of permanent deformation showed that the factor (aggre-
porosity of the attached mortar. Bitumen consumption was gate type) had a significant effect irrespective of level
more when the RCA was added in the fine fraction owing temperature and type of binders. Pérez et al. [20] per-
to its high specific surface area and mortar content. formed two and three way ANOVA on test results of
Moreover, recycled aggregates had higher absorption, indirect tensile strength of HMA considering recycled

Table 1 Detailed of test results of various properties of natural and recycled coarse aggregates
Properties Test Code Specified value Natural aggregate Value Recycled aggregate value

Particle shape Flakiness and elongation IS: 2386 Max. 30% 29.95 25.05
Part 1
Hardness Los Angeles abrasion IS: 2386 Max. 30% 26 25
Part 4
Toughness Impact IS: 2386 Max. 30% 22 21
Part 4
Strength Crushing IS:2386 Max. 30% 25 25
Part 4
Water absorption Water absorption IS: 2386 Max. 2% 0.5 0.95
Part 3
Specific gravity Specific gravity IS: 2386 2.6–2.9 2.75 2.69
Part 3

123
J. Inst. Eng. India Ser. A (June 2018) 99(2):165–181 167

Table 3 Summary of trial mixes

Mix series type Aggregate type Variation in bitumen content (%) OBC (%)
a
NCA (%) RCA (%)

M-I 100 – 5.0, 5.5, 6.0, 6.5, 7.0 5.67

M-II 75 25 5.0, 5.5, 6.0, 6.5, 7.0 5.83
M-III 50 50 5.0, 5.5, 6.0, 6.5, 7.0 6.00
M-IV – 100 5.0, 5.5, 6.0, 6.5, 7.0 6.33
a
NCA natural course aggregate

aggregates (%), type of natural aggregate and moisture statistical approach. For this, the procedures of general
state as factors. The results depicted the factor moisture factorial design is followed with factors, percentage recy-
state (dry, wet) significantly affected the test results. cled concrete aggregates [RCA (%)] and bitumen content
Pasandı́n and Pérez [17] adopted two-way ANOVA and percentage [BC (%)] to evaluate the influence of these
concluded that recycled aggregate percentage was the most factors on the properties of HMA.
influencing factor.
The major findings obtained from the review of existing
literature related to the use of recycled concrete aggregates Materials and Methods
are summarized as follows:
Materials
• The density of recycled concrete aggregates is rela-
tively lower with higher water absorptions, due to the
In this study, different RCA (%) as partial replacement of
highly porous and low dense cement mortar adhered on
coarse fraction of natural aggregates were used. The RCA
it.
(%) were obtained from the waste generated from the
• HMA using recycled concrete aggregates have higher
demolition of buildings. The demolished waste concrete
optimum bitumen content than conventional mix due to
materials were collected and crushed by using jaw crusher.
high porosity of adhered mortar. However, bitumen
Crushed products obtained from jaw crusher were sieved
consumption is less when the coarse recycled concrete
through 4.75 mm IS sieves. Sizes which are higher than
aggregate used in the HMA compared to that of fine
4.75 mm were taken for the replacement purpose, which
recycled fraction.
were termed as RCA. The properties of natural aggregates
• The HMA prepared with recycled concrete aggregates
and RCA have been evaluated according to MORTH
fulfils the specifications of different standards and
specification [30] and presented in Tables 1 and 2, which
specifications.
shows that the RCA have lower specific gravity, Flakiness
• The water resistance decreases with the increase in
percentages of recycled concrete aggregates.
• The permanent deformation is similar or better than Characterization RCA and Binder
natural aggregates. The use of recycled fine aggregates
leads to reduction of resistance to deformation.
• The percentage of Va is higher for specimens contain- Selection of Factors and Levels
ing recycled concrete aggregates.
• The mechanical properties of HMA made with recycle
Preparation of Bituminous Mix
concrete aggregates using bitumen emulsions were
similar to mix made with natural aggregates.
The investigations comprising of application of recycled Determination of Volumetric and Marshall Parameters
concrete aggregates in HMA are extensively found in
existing literature. However, the studies related to the
Analysis of Results with ANOVA
replacement of coarse fraction of natural aggregates by
coarse recycled concrete aggregates are scarce in available
literature. Therefore, the major objective of the present Illustration of ANOVA Results
investigation to determine the influence of RCA and
varying bitumen content on the properties of HMA using Fig. 1 Overview of present work

123
168 J. Inst. Eng. India Ser. A (June 2018) 99(2):165–181

Fig. 2 a Individual value plot, a 18000

b contour plot for stability

16000

14000

Stability (N)
12000

10000

8000

6000
BC(%) 5.0 5.5 6.0 6.5 7.0 5.0 5.5 6.0 6.5 7.0 5.0 5.5 6.0 6.5 7.0 5.0 5.5 6.0 6.5 7.0
RCA(%) 0 25 50 100

b 7.0
9000

6.5 11000
BC(%)

6.0
10000

5.5 13000 9000

12000
5.0
0 20 40 60 80 100
RCA(%)

and Elongation index with higher water absorption as
compared to natural aggregates.
Bitumen
Viscosity grade 30 (VG 30) bitumen was used in the
preparation of specimens. The softening point of bitumen
was found out to be 48.5 C, solubility in tricholoroethlene
99%, penetration value 5.033 mm, ductility 458 mm and
viscosity 245 N s m-2, satisfying the MORTH
specifications.
Factorial Design
The procedure of general factorial design was used for
assessment of the influence of the selected factors on the
various properties of HMA. As RCA are highly absorptive,
higher RCA (%) in a mix leads to higher BC (%). Hence,
for the general factorial design, RCA (%) which replaced
coarse fraction of aggregates and BC (%) were selected as
factors. The levels of factor RCA % were 0, 25, 50 and
100% and the chosen levels of factor BC % were kept at 5,
5.5, 6, 6.5 and 7%. The total numbers of mixes were found
to be twenty following the procedures of general factorial
design. The Minitab 16 statistical software was used to
determine different compositions with three replications
for each combination of factors. The ANOVA models,
which are based on statistical techniques, are capable of
producing meaningful models of the factors studied in an
experiment. The two-way ANOVA was used in this study
for determination of significant factors and their interac-
tions on selected responses. In ANOVA model, the effect
of each factor is measured in terms of the percentage of
total variance of the data. The effect of each individual
factor is called main effect. The effect of each pair of
combined factors on response called interaction effect. The

123
J. Inst. Eng. India Ser. A (June 2018) 99(2):165–181 169

Table 4 Results of analysis of variance on properties of bituminous mixes

HMA properties Source Degree of freedom Sum of square Mean square F-value p value

Stability RCA (%) 3 2,333,206 777,735 447.42 0.000

BC (%) 4 1,102,859 275,715 158.61 0.000
Interaction 12 205,352 17,113 9.84 0.000
Error 40 69531 1738
Total 59 3,710,949
Flow RCA (%) 3 3.9687 1.32290 105.60 0.000
BC (%) 4 13.5411 3.38527 270.24 0.000
Interaction 12 0.1102 0.00918 0.73 0.711
Error 40 0.5011 0.01253
Total 59 18.1210
Va % RCA (%) 3 10.932 3.6440 56.00 0.000
BC (%) 4 85.992 21.4979 330.36 0.000
Interaction 12 3.307 0.2756 4.24 0.000
Error 40 2.603 0.0651
Total 59 102.834
VMA % RCA (%) 3 4.0123 1.33742 38.45 0.000
BC (%) 4 11.9383 2.98458 85.80 0.000
Interaction 12 1.9344 0.16120 4.63 0.000
Error 40 1.3914 0.03478
Total 59 19.2764
VFB % RCA (%) 3 250.19 83.398 44.00 0.000
BC (%) 4 3267.21 816.802 430.94 0.000
Interaction 12 9.37 0.781 0.41 0.95
Error 40 75.82 1.895
Total 59 3602.58
Bulk density RCA (%) 3 0.111628 0.0372094 611.66 0.000
BC (%) 4 0.007860 0.0019650 32.30 0.000
Interaction 12 0.002847 0.0002372 3.90 0.001
Error 40 0.002433 0.0000608
Total 59 0.124768

sum of the main effects and interaction effects would be
100 if the ANOVA model is fully explain the source of
variation of the data. If the sum of all variances of data is
less than 100, then the difference between 100 and total
sum of all variances is known as residue value. An effect is
considered of statistical significance for a 95% confidence
level if the p value in the Fisher distribution is less than
0.05. The p value is the smallest level of significance that
would lead to rejection of the null hypothesis. In the
analysis of variance, the selected significance level was 5%
in the present study. In the this model, the source of vari-
ation are the two factors [RCA (%) and BC (%)] and their
interactions. The F-test involving testing of hypothesis
about treatment means or variance component in the
analysis of variance was used. Main effect is an estimate of
the effect of a factor that independently expresses the
change in response due to change in that factor, regardless
of other factor that may be present in the system. In
factorial experiment, two factors are said to be interacting
if the effect of one factor significantly differs at different
levels of other factor. The general factorial design and two-
way ANOVA analysis was performed as per standard
procedures [24].
Sample Preparation
The aggregates gradation was done according to the
MORTH specifications for HMA type bituminous concrete.
The performance of mixes was evaluated by Marshall
methods, using the specimens compacted with 75 blows on
each face in standard mould (cylindrical moulds of 64 mm
height and 100 mm diameter). The samples were prepared
maintaining aggregates temperature (175–190 C), bitu-
men temperature (121–125 C) and mixing temperature
(154–160 C). Approximately 1200 g of aggregates and
filler were taken for preparation of samples. The quantity

123
170 J. Inst. Eng. India Ser. A (June 2018) 99(2):165–181

Fig. 3 a Main effect plot, a RCA(%) BC(%)

b interaction plot for stability of
bituminous mixes 14000

13000

12000

Stability(N)
11000

10000

9000

8000
0 25 50 100 5.0 5.5 6.0 6.5 7.0

5.0 5.5 6.0 6.5 7.0

b
16000 RCA(%)
14000
0
25
RCA(% ) 12000 50
10000 100

8000

16000 BC(%)
14000
5.0
5.5
12000 BC(% ) 6.0
10000 6.5
7.0
8000

0 25 50 100
Y axis label: Stability (N)

of coarse fraction, fine fraction and filler was found to be
456, 660 and 84 g. Four different series of mixes were
prepared with 0, 25, 50 and 100% of RCA called as M-I,
M-II, M-II and M-IV respectively. Natural coarse aggre-
gates were replaced with varying amount of RCA for each
coarse fraction gradation. The specimens were prepared
with bitumen contents of 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5 and 7% of by weight
of the aggregates for each series. The details of the trial
mixes are presented in Table 3. The steps involved in
overal work is presented in Fig. 1.
Result and Discussion
Two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) has been
employed for analysing the experimental observations.
Stability, Flow value, Va, VMA, Void Filled with Bitumen
(VFB), and bulk density are treated as responses. Three
numbers of replicates were fixed for each combination. The
individual value and contour plots, ANOVA table, main
effects and interaction plots for the selected responses have
been analysed and presented in following sections.

123
J. Inst. Eng. India Ser. A (June 2018) 99(2):165–181 171

Fig. 4 a Individual value plot, a

b contour plot for flow value 4.0

3.5

Flow (mm)
3.0

2.5

2.0

BC(%) 5.0 5.5 6.0 6.5 7.0 5.0 5.5 6.0 6.5 7.0 5.0 5.5 6.0 6.5 7.0 5.0 5.5 6.0 6.5 7.0
RCA(%) 0 25 50 100

b 7.0

3.55

6.5 3.05

3.30
BC(%)

6.0 2.55

5.5 2.80

2.30

5.0
0 20 40 60 80 100
RCA(%)

Stability level). Moreover, p value close to zero indicates that

Figure 2 represents the individual value and contour plots
for the stability value of the mix with varying BC (%) and
RCA (%). The contour plots are plotted at an interval of
1 kN and ranging from 8 to 17 kN. It can be observed that
the stability of mixes reduces with increase in RCA (%)
owing to the inferior quality RCA. However, the stability
value increases up to a certain bitumen content and then
decreases. The ANOVA of the stability value have been
carried out and obtained F-values and p values are shown
Table 4. The factors BC (%) and RCA (%) are significantly
affecting the stability value of mixes since p values for both
the factors are less than 0.05 (the selected significance
interaction of both the factors BC (%) and RCA (%) is
significantly affecting the response. Figure 3 demonstrates
the main effect and interaction plots for stability of mix
with factors RCA (%) and BC (%). It can be observed that
stability decreases from 13.312 to 8.185 kN due to increase
in level of RCA (%) from 0 to 100% and stability increase
from 10.270 kN to 12.591 kN due to increase in level of
BC (%) from 5 to 5.5% and then decreases gradually to
8.893 kN with increase in level up to 7%. Significant effect
of RCA (%) on the stability is due to the presence of the
old adhered mortar influencing the properties of recycled
aggregates. It can be seen from the interaction plot that the
effect of interaction of both the factors RCA (%) and BC

123
172 J. Inst. Eng. India Ser. A (June 2018) 99(2):165–181

Fig. 5 a Main effect plot, a RCA(%) BC(%)

b interaction plot for flow value
of bituminous mixes 3.6

3.4

3.2

Flow (mm)
3.0

2.8

2.6

2.4

2.2
0 25 50 100 5.0 5.5 6.0 6.5 7.0

b 5.0 5.5 6.0 6.5 7.0

4.0
RCA(% )
3.5 0
25
3.0 50
RCA(% ) 100
2.5

2.0
4.0
BC(% )
3.5 5.0
5.5
3.0 6.0
BC(% ) 6.5
2.5 7.0

2.0

0 25 50 100

Y axis label: Flow (mm)

(%) is significant as the interaction lines for various level of
factors are close to each other. More precisely, the inter-
action between the factors is significant if influence of one
factor on the response is changed substantially with the
variation of level of other factor.
Flow
Figure 4 shows the individual value and contour plots for
the flow value of bituminous mix with varying BC (%) and
RCA (%). The contour lines are plotted at the interval of
0.25 mm and ranging from 2.05 to 3.80 mm. It can be
observed that the flow value of the mixes deceases with
increase in RCA (%) in the mix. The flow value of the
mixes are affected due to more porous nature of RCA as
compared to the natural aggregates. However, the flow
value is found be enhanced with increase in bitumen con-
tent in the mix owing to the beneficial effect of bitumen
over recycled coarse aggregates. The obtained ANOVA
results of the flow of the mix with F-values and p value are
illustrated in Table 4. The flow value of mixes are con-
siderably influenced by BC (%) and RCA (%) as p value is
close to zero. The significant influence of the factors on the
response could be attributed to the inferior nature of RCA
and beneficial effect of BC (%) on the flow of mix. The
results from ANOVA study indicates that interaction of
both the factors have no substantial effect on flow value of
mixes as p value is found to be more than 0.05 (selected
significance level 0.05), which indicates that the influence
of variation of RCA (%) for every level of BC (%) is
similar. Figure 5 shows the main effect and interaction
plots for the response flow with consideration of factors
RCA (%) and BC (%). It can be observed that flow
decreases from 3.24 to 2.56 mm due to increase in level of
RCA (%) from 0 to 100%. Moreover, the flow value
increases from 2.26 to 3.57 mm due to increase in level of
BC (%) 5–7%. Interaction plot of both the factors RCA (%)
and BC (%) are similar to each other which indicates that

123
J. Inst. Eng. India Ser. A (June 2018) 99(2):165–181 173

Fig. 6 a Individual value plot, a 8

b contour plot for air voids of
bituminous mixes

Va(%)
5

BC(%) 5.0 5.5 6.0 6.5 7.0 5.0 5.5 6.0 6.5 7.0 5.0 5.5 6.0 6.5 7.0 5.0 5.5 6.0 6.5 7.0
RCA(%) 0 25 50 100

b 7.0

3.5

6.5
BC(%)

6.0 4.00 4.5

5.55
5.5 5..0
6.0
6.55

7.00
5.0
0 20 40 60 80 100
RCA(%)

interaction effect of the factors on the response is not
significant. The aforementioned analysis of interaction
plots illustrates the lack of interaction between the selected
factors. The absence of interaction between the factors on
the flow of mix could be seen from the Table 4.
Air Void
The individual value and contour plots for Va of the mix
with varying BC (%) and RCA (%) are presented in Fig. 6.
It can be observed that the Va percentage of mixes
increases with increasing RCA (%) in the mix due to the
enhancement of the quantity of attached mortar leading to
the augmentation in the voids in the mix. The contour plots
are plotted at the interval of 0.5% and ranges from 3.5 to
7.0%. The ANOVA of the Va have been performed and
obtained F-values and p value are shown in Table 4.
Higher value of F-statistics and p value less than 0.05
indicates, Va of the mixes are considerably affected by
change of level of the BC (%) and RCA (%). The results
from ANOVA study shows that interactions of both the
factors have significantly affected the flow value of mixes
(as p value tends to zero). The Fig. 7 shows the main effect
and interaction plots for the response Va considering the
factors RCA (%) and BC (%). It can be seen that Va
increases from 4.16 to 5.34% due to increase in level of
RCA (%) from 0 to 100%, as the void present in the RCA
content increases. Moreover, Va decreases from 6.85 to
3.55% due to increase in level of BC (%) from 5 to 7%
because the air voids present in the mix are filled by the
bitumen. Interaction plot of air voids with consideration of
RCA (%) and BC (%) are not similar to each other which
illustrates that interaction effect of the factors on the
response is significant. For each level of BC (%), Va is
found to be enhanced with alteration of level of RCA (%)

123
174 J. Inst. Eng. India Ser. A (June 2018) 99(2):165–181

Fig. 7 a Main effect plot, a RCA(%) BC(%)

b interaction plot for air voids of
bituminous mixes 7.0

6.5

6.0

Va(%)
5.5

5.0

4.5

4.0

3.5
0 25 50 100 5.0 5.5 6.0 6.5 7.0

5.0 5.5 6.0 6.5 7.0

b
RCA(%)
7 0
25
6
50
RCA(%) 100
5

3
BC(%)
7
5.0
5.5
6
6.0
5 BC(%) 6.5
7.0
4

3
0 25 50 100
Y axis label: Va (%)

from 0 to 100% due to increase in the air voids present in
the adhered mortar in RCA.
Void Mineral Aggregate
Figure 8 represents the individual value and contour plots
for the percentage of VMA of bituminous mix with varying
BC (%) and different RCA (%). The contour plots are
drawn at the space of 0.25% and ranges from 17.20 to
18.45%. It can be observed that the percentage of VMA of
mixes increases with increase in RCA (%) in the mix.
Similar type of observation with the incorporation of RCA
in HMA has been reported in previous studies [22].
However, the VMA value initially decreases with increase
in BC (%) and beyond certain level it increases. The sig-
nificance of the main effects and interaction of factors are
analysed by performing two-way ANOVA. The ANOVA
of the experimental results of VMA have been performed,
and resulted F-values and p value are presented in Table 4.
The higher value of F-statistics and p value less than 0.05
indicates that the significant effect factors on VMA of mix.
Moreover, the results of ANOVA concludes that interac-
tion of both the factors are considerably affecting VMA of
mixes as p value is negligible. Figure 9 shows the main
effect and interaction plots for the response VMA consid-
ering for the factors RCA (%) and BC (%). It can be
observed that VMA increases from 17.14 to 17.82% due to
increase in level of RCA (%) from 0 to 100%. Interaction
plot of the factor BC (%) with different level are not
similar to each other which indicates that interaction effect
of the factors on the response is significant. In other words,

123
J. Inst. Eng. India Ser. A (June 2018) 99(2):165–181 175

Fig. 8 a Individual value plot, a 19.0

b contour plot for VMA of
bituminous mixes
18.5

18.0

VMA (%)
17.5

17.0

16.5

16.0
BC(%) 5.0 5.5 6.0 6.5 7.0 5.0 5.5 6.0 6.5 7.0 5.0 5.5 6.0 6.5 7.0 5.0 5.5 6.0 6.5 7.0
RCA(%) 0 25 50 100

b 7.0
18.20
17.95

6.5 17.70
17.45
BC(% )

6.0 17.20

17.45
5.5 17.20

17.70

5.0
0 20 40 60 80 100
RCA(% )

the change of level of one factor substantially influences
the effect of other factor on VMA.
Void Filled with Bitumen
The individual value and contour plots for the percentage
of VFB of mix with varying BC (%) and RCA (%) are
shown in Fig. 10. The contour plots are plotted with an
interval of 2.5% and ranging from 60.00 to 82.50%. The
plots indicate the VFB of mixes decreases with increase in
RCA (%) in the bituminous mix. This reduction in the VFB
value could be attributed to the absorption of some amount
of bitumen by RCA. The ANOVA of the VFB results have
been performed and obtained F-values and p value are
represented in Table 4. The VFB of mixes are considerably
affected by the factors BC (%) and RCA (%) due to higher
value of F-statistics and p value less than 0.05. The results
from ANOVA study represent that, interaction of both the
factors is not considerably affecting VFB of mixes as
p value is more than selected significant level (5%). Fig-
ure 11 represents the main effect and interaction plots for
the response VFB taking for the factors RCA (%) and BC
(%). It can be noticed that VFB decreases from 75.62 to
69.97% due to increase in level of RCA (%) from 0 to
100% and increase from 60.6 to 80.68% due to increase in
level of BC (%) from 5 to 7%. Interaction plot of both the
factors RCA (%) and BC (%) with their different levels are
similar to each other which illustrates that interaction
between the factors has no substantial influence on
response. This is due to the fact that the response behaves

123
176 J. Inst. Eng. India Ser. A (June 2018) 99(2):165–181

Fig. 9 a Main effect plot, a RCA(% ) BC(% )

b interaction plot for VMA of 18.4
bituminous mixes
18.2

18.0

VMA(%)
17.8

17.6

17.4

17.2

17.0
0 25 50 100 5.0 5.5 6.0 6.5 7.0

5.0 5.5 6.0 6.5 7.0

b 18.5 RCA(% )
0
18.0
25
17.5 50
RCA(% ) 100
17.0

16.5
18.5 BC(% )
5.0
18.0
5.5
17.5 6.0
BC(% ) 6.5
17.0 7.0

16.5

0 25 50 100

Y axis label: VMA(%)

in similar fashion for each level of RCA (%) with the
change in the level of BC (%).
Bulk Density
The individual value and contour plots for bulk density of
bituminous mix with varying BC (%) and RCA (%) are
plotted in Fig. 12. The bulk density value ranges from 2.21
to 2.38 g/cc and having a variation of standard deviation
from 0.005 to 0.02 for the variation of both factors. The
contour plots are plotted at the interval of 0.01889 g/cc and
ranging from 2.26667 to 2.36111 g/cc. Figure 12 depicts
that the bulk density of mixes decreases with increase in
RCA percentages in the mix. The ANOVA of the test
results of Bulk density have been carried out and resulted
F-values and p values are tabulated in Table 4. The bulk
density of mixes are noticeably affected by change in level
of the factors BC (%) and RCA (%) since higher F-value
and p value less than 0.05 can been seen from Table 4. The
results from ANOVA study indicate that interaction of both
the factors have considerably affecting bulk density of
mixes as p value is found to be less than 0.05. Figure 13
shows the main effect and interaction plots for the response
bulk density considering for the factors RCA (%) and BC
(%). It can be noted that bulk density decreases from 2.35
to 2.24 g/cc with increase in RCA (%) from 0 to 100%.
Moreover, bulk density increases from 2.277 to 2.315 g/cc
with increase of BC (%) 5–6% and further increase of BC
(%) decreases bulk density to 2.292 g/cc. Interaction plot
of the factors BC (%) are not similar to each other which

123
J. Inst. Eng. India Ser. A (June 2018) 99(2):165–181 177

a 85

80

75
VFB (%)

70

65

60

BC(%) 5.0 5.5 6.0 6.5 7.0 5.0 5.5 6.0 6.5 7.0 5.0 5.5 6.0 6.5 7.0 5.0 5.5 6.0 6.5 7.0
RCA(%) 0 25 50 100

b 7.0

6.5 8 0 .0 7 7 .5
BC(%)

6.0
75.0
72.5

5.5 70.0 67.5

65.0
62.5

5.0
0 20 40 60 80 100
RCA(%)

Fig. 10 a Individual value plot, b contour plot for VFB of bituminous mixes

indicates that interaction effect of the factors on the
response is significant.
Conclusion
The combined influence of bitumen content and replace-
ment of coarse fraction of natural aggregate with recycled
coarse aggregate on the properties of bituminous concrete
mix has been investigated. Experimental investigation has
been carried out on various properties of mix by incorpo-
rating different RCA (%) obtained from demolished con-
crete. In addition to above, analysis of variance (ANOVA)
of the experimental results has been carried out and effects
of the selected parameters on properties of mixes are
determined. From the analysis of the results following
conclusions are made:
• The individual and contour plots of stability values
indicates that stability value decreases with increasing
RCA (%) in the mix. This decrease in the stability value
of the mix could be attributed to the inferior qualities of
recycled aggregates as compared to that of natural one.
Moreover, ANOVA of the test results depicts that the
factors RCA (%) and BC (%) are found to be
significantly affecting the stability as p value is less

123
178 J. Inst. Eng. India Ser. A (June 2018) 99(2):165–181

a RCA(%) BC(%)

80

75

VFB(%) 70

65

60
0 25 50 100 5.0 5.5 6.0 6.5 7.0

5.0 5.5 6.0 6.5 7.0

b
80 RCA(% )
0
75 25
70 50
RCA(% )
100
65
60

BC(% )
80
5.0
75 5.5
6.0
70 BC(% ) 6.5
65 7.0

60

0 25 50 100

Y axis label: VFB (%)

Fig. 11 a Main effect plot, b interaction plot for VFB of bituminous mixes

than 0.05. Similar observation is obtained from the
main effect plot of stability values. The interaction plot
and ANOVA depicts that of the interaction of factors
are considerably influencing the stability of the mix.
• The flow of the mix reduces with increasing RCA (%)
in the bituminous mixes which can be observed from
the individual value and contour plots. The adhered
mortar of the RCA absorbs some quantity of bitumen
and reduces the flow value of the mix. The main effects
plot and ANOVA table indicates that the factors RCA
(%) and BC (%) are considerably influencing the flow
value. However, interaction plot and ANOVA
table shows that interaction between the factors are
not considerably influencing the flow value.
• The individual value and contour plots of the response
illustrates that Va increases by increasing RCA (%) and
reduces by increasing BC (%). The enhancement in the
Va of the mix could be attributed to the additional voids
present in the old adhered mortar of RCA. In addition
to above, both the factors RCA (%) and BC (%) are
significantly influencing the Va which can be seen from
ANOVA table and main effects plot. However, inter-
action of the selected factors is found to be significant
as p value is less than 0.05. Moreover, interaction plots
of air voids for different levels of the factors are similar
to each other which indicates no interaction exists
between the factors.
• The individual value and contour plot of VMA
demonstrates that it increases with increasing RCA
(%) in the bituminous mix. The results of ANOVA and
main effects plot for VMA shows that the selected
factors RCA (%) and BC (%) are considerably influ-
encing the VMA value of the mix. The ANOVA
table and interaction plot of VMA indicates the

123
J. Inst. Eng. India Ser. A (June 2018) 99(2):165–181 179

a 2.40

2.35

Bulk Density (gm/cc)

2.30

2.25

2.20
BC(%) 5.0 5.5 6.0 6.5 7.0 5.0 5.5 6.0 6.5 7.0 5.0 5.5 6.0 6.5 7.0 5.0 5.5 6.0 6.5 7.0
RCA(%) 0 25 50 100

b 7.0

6.5 2.30444 2.26667

BC(%)

6.0

5.5 2.32333 2.24778

2.28556
5.0
0 20 40 60 80 100
RCA(%)

Fig. 12 a Individual value plot, b contour plot for bulk density of bituminous mixes

interaction of the factors RCA (%) and BC (%) are
considerably influencing the VMA of the mix.
• The individual value and contour plot indicates VFB
reduces with increasing RCA (%). Observed p value
less than 0.05 and higher F-value indicate that the
factors RCA (%), and BC (%) have substantial effect on
VFB of the mix. However, the ANOVA table and
interaction plot shows that interaction of both factors
RCA (%) and BC (%) are not considerably affecting the
VFB of mix. Moreover, the main effect plot of VFB
provides similar conclusion about the decrease in VFB
with increasing RCA (%).
• The results of ANOVA for bulk density depicts that the
factors RCA (%) and BC (%) are considerably affecting
the bulk density value of the mix. The main effect plot
of the bulk density shows that the response decreases
with increasing the RCA (%) in the mix. The lesser
density of recycled aggregates as compared to that of
natural aggregates are primarily responsible for the
reduction in the bulk density. The interaction of the
factors RCA (%) and BC (%) are found to be
considerably affecting the bulk density of the mix,
confirmed from ANOVA table and interaction plot of
bulk density.

123
180 J. Inst. Eng. India Ser. A (June 2018) 99(2):165–181

a RCA(%) BC(%)

2.350

Bulk Density (gm/cc)

2.325

2.300

2.275

2.250

0 25 50 100 5.0 5.5 6.0 6.5 7.0

5.0 5.5 6.0 6.5 7.0

b
2.36
RCA(% )
2.32 0
25
RCA(% ) 2.28 50
100
2.24

2.20
2.36
BC(% )
5.0
2.32
5.5
6.0
2.28 BC(% )
6.5
7.0
2.24

2.20
0 25 50 100
Y axis label: Bulk Density (gm/cc)

Fig. 13 a Main effect plot, b interaction plot for bulk density of bituminous mixes

• The results of present investigation to access the
influence of the RCA (%) and BC (%) on various
Marshall parameters could be useful in designing
bituminous mixes for practical use. Moreover, the use
of RCA could lead to develop a sustainable material to
be applied in construction of pavements, which will
solve the problem of depleting of natural aggregates.
References
1. M.S. De Juan, P.A. Gutiérrez, Study on the influence of attached
mortar content on the properties of recycled concrete aggregate.
Constr. Build. Mater. 23(2), 872–877 (2009)
2. A.H. Aljassar, K.B. Al-Fadala, M.A. Ali, Recycling building
demolition waste in hot-mix asphalt concrete: a case study in
Kuwait. J. Mater. Cycles Waste Manag. 7(2), 112–115 (2005)
3. M. Arabani, F. Moghadas Nejad, A.R. Azarhoosh, Laboratory
evaluation of recycled waste concrete into asphalt mixtures. Int.
J. Pavement Eng. 14(6), 531–539 (2013)
4. A. Arulrajah, J. Piratheepan, M.M. Disfani, Reclaimed asphalt
pavement and recycled concrete aggregate blends in pavement
subbases: laboratory and field evaluation. J. Mater. Civ. Eng.
26(2), 349–357 (2013)
5. S. Bhusal, X. Li, H. Wen, Evaluation of effects of recycled
concrete aggregate on volumetrics of hot-mix asphalt. Transp.
Res. Rec. J. Transp. Res. Board 2205, 36–39 (2011)
6. M. Chen, J. Lin, S. Wu, Potential of recycled fine aggregates
powder as filler in asphalt mixture. Constr. Build. Mater. 25(10),
3909–3914 (2011)

123
J. Inst. Eng. India Ser. A (June 2018) 99(2):165–181
7. N. Munoth, R.K. Jain, G. Raheja, T.S. Brar, Issues of sustainable
redevelopment of city core: a study of developed and developing
countries. J. Inst. Eng. Ser. A 94(2), 117–122 (2013)
8. M.J. Chen, Y.D. Wong, Porous asphalt mixture with 100%
recycled concrete aggregate. Road Mater. Pavement Des. 14(4),
921–932 (2013)
9. Y.-H. Cho, T. Yun, I.T. Kim, N.R. Choi, The application of
recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) for hot mix asphalt (HMA)
base layer aggregate. KSCE J. Civ. Eng. 15(3), 473–478 (2011)
10. C.S. Poon, D. Chan, Feasible use of recycled concrete aggregates
and crushed clay brick as unbound road sub-base. Constr. Build.
Mater. 20(8), 578–585 (2006)
11. I. Vegas, J.A. Ibañez, A. Lisbona, A.S. de Cortazar, M. Frı́as, Pre-
normative research on the use of mixed recycled aggregates in
unbound road sections. Constr. Build. Mater. 25(5), 2674–2682
(2011)
12. A.R. Hill, A.R. Dawson, M. Mundy, Utilisation of aggregate
materials in road construction and bulk fill. Resour. Conserv.
Recycl. 32(3), 305–320 (2001)
13. Y.D. Wong, D.D. Sun, D. Lai, Value-added utilisation of recy-
cled concrete in hot-mix asphalt. Waste Manag 27(2), 294–301
(2007)
14. A.R. Gabr, D.A. Cameron, Properties of recycled concrete
aggregate for unbound pavement construction. J. Mater. Civ.
Eng. 24(6), 754–764 (2011)
15. M.M. Rafi, A. Qadir, S.H. Siddiqui, Experimental testing of hot
mix asphalt mixture made of recycled aggregates. Waste Manag.
Res. 29(12), 1316–1326 (2010)
16. A. Zulkati, Y.D. Wong, D.D. Sun, Mechanistic performance of
asphalt-concrete mixture incorporating coarse recycled concrete
aggregate. J. Mater. Civ. Eng. 25(9), 1299–1305 (2012)
17. A.R. Pasandı́n, I. Pérez, Mechanical properties of hot-mix asphalt
made with recycled concrete aggregates coated with bitumen
emulsion. Constr. Build. Mater. 55, 350–358 (2014)
18. M.S. Pourtahmasb, M.R. Karim, S. Shamshirband, Resilient
modulus prediction of asphalt mixtures containing recycled
concrete aggregate using an adaptive neuro-fuzzy methodology.
Constr. Build. Mater. 82, 257–263 (2015)
181
19. A.R. Pasandı́n, I. Pérez, J.R.M. Oliveira, H.M.R.D. Silva, P.A.A.
Pereira, Influence of ageing on the properties of bitumen from
asphalt mixtures with recycled concrete aggregates. J. Clean.
Prod. 101, 165–173 (2015)
20. I. Pérez, A.R. Pasandı́n, L. Medina, Hot mix asphalt using C&D
waste as coarse aggregates. Mater. Des. 36, 840–846 (2012)
21. I. Pérez, A.R. Pasandı́n, J. Gallego, Stripping in hot mix asphalt
produced by aggregates from construction and demolition waste.
Waste Manag. Res. 30(1), 3–11 (2012)
22. A.R. Pasandı́n, I. Pérez, Laboratory evaluation of hot-mix asphalt
containing construction and demolition waste. Constr. Build.
Mater. 43, 497–505 (2013)
23. A.R. Pasandı́n, I. Pérez, Overview of bituminous mixtures made
with recycled concrete aggregates. Constr. Build. Mater. 74,
151–161 (2015)
24. D.C. Montgomery, Design and Analysis of Experiments (Wiley,
New York, 2008), pp. 60–218
25. S.L. Correia, F.L. Souza, G. Dienstmann, A.M. Segadaes,
Assessment of the recycling potential of fresh concrete waste
using a factorial design of experiments. Waste Manag 29(11),
2886–2891 (2009)
26. S.L. Correia, T. Partala, F.C. Loch, A.M. Segadães, Factorial
design used to model the compressive strength of mortars con-
taining recycled rubber. Compos. Struct. 92(9), 2047–2051
(2010)
27. F. López-Gayarre, C. López-Colina, M.A. Serrano-López, E.G.
Taengua, A.L. Martı́nez, Assessment of properties of recycled
concrete by means of a highly fractioned factorial design of
experiment. Constr. Build. Mater. 25(10), 3802–3809 (2011)
28. M.L. Nehdi, J. Summer, Optimization of ternary cementitious
mortar blends using factorial experimental plans. Mater. Struct.
35(8), 495–503 (2002)
29. D.-H. Shen, J.-C. Du, Application of gray relational analysis to
evaluate HMA with reclaimed building materials. J. Mater. Civ.
Eng. 17(4), 400–406 (2005)
30. IS: 2386, Methods of Test for Aggregates for Concrete (Bureau of
Indian Standards, New Delhi, 1963)
123