EXPERIMENTAL STUDY ON GROUND STRENGTHENING AND ELECTRIC POWER GENERATION WITH USING RECYCLED ASPHALT PAVEMENT MATERIAL

Abstract

To ensure a safe living environment against frequent natural disasters, a mechanical reinforcement of the ground and a stable power supply are required. Reusing resources is essential to the development of a sustainable social life system. In this study, a comprehensive systemis proposed to strengthen the ground and generate electrical energy by using recycled asphalt pavement material. In the proposed system, the new T-shaped unit is the primary tool for upgrading bearing capacity and generating electric power. The T-shaped unit is inserted into the ground and the surface of the ground is covered with recycled asphalt pavement material (RAP). The bearing capacity of the ground is improved and the deformation of the ground is restrained by the T-shaped unit and the RAP placed on the ground surface. On the other hand, Peltier elements are built into the T-shaped unit. Electric power can be generated by the thermoelectric effect by converting the temperature difference between the ground surface and the subsoil. In this study, the bearing capacity of the reinforced ground and power generation behavior are studied through laboratory tests and field monitoring, respectively. It is shown that the bearing capacity of the ground is improved by the RAP laying and insertion of the T-shaped unit by the results of laboratory tests. Electricity generation may be recognized from the results of field monitoring. Based on these experimental results, the feasibility of a comprehensive system for strengthening the ground, generating electricity, and reusing construction waste material is discussed