A Structural Investigation of Raw Crushed Wind Turbine Blade in Cement-Treated Base

The rapid growth of wind energy has created a new environmental challenge: the disposal of end-of-life wind turbine blades composed of fiberglass-reinforced polymer composites that are difficult to recycle. This study investigates the feasibility of repurposing Recycled Crushed Wind Turbine Blade (RCWTB) material as a reinforcing additive in Cement-Treated Base (CTB) mixtures for pavement applications under the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) specifications. Laboratory experiments were conducted in accordance with TxDOT Item 276 (Cement Treatment, Plant-Mixed) and Tex-120-E, using flexible base aggregate meeting Item 247 requirements and Type I/II Portland cement. RCWTB materials were incorporated at dosages of 5 % and 10 % by weight in both fibrous and powdered forms. Unconfined compressive strength (UCS) and stiffness were evaluated after seven days of curing, supplemented by dynamic modulus measurements using an Olson RTG-1 Resonance Tester (ASTM C215). Finite element modeling in ANSYS was used to simulate structural performance within a rigid pavement system. Results indicate that RCWTB fibers enhance the mechanical performance and ductility of CTB mixtures, with the 5 % fiber mix achieving approximately 268 psi (≈ 2.5 × the control) and approaching 89 % of TxDOT’s 300 psi minimum requirement for Class M CTB. Powdered RCWTB showed limited benefit, suggesting that particle geometry and dispersion are critical factors. Dynamic modulus testing and finite element simulations confirmed that fiber inclusion modestly reduced stiffness but improved load distribution and reduced localized strain concentrations, leading to greater resistance against base-initiated cracking. This research represents the first known evaluation of RCWTB in CTB applications and establishes an experimental foundation for integrating wind-turbine-blade waste into TxDOT-compliant pavement layers. The findings demonstrate both structural feasibility and environmental benefit, supporting future optimization studies and large-scale implementation to enhance the sustainability of Texas pavement systems.