Laboratory Characterization of Asphalt Mixtures Containing Steel Slag

Abstract

The use of industrial by-products needs better understanding of their characteristics and behavior when subjected to traffic loading and environmental conditions. This paper presents a comprehensive laboratory characterization testing of asphalt mixtures containing steel slag. Electric Arc Furnace Steel Slag (EAFS) products were chosen as one of the most significant types of non-hazardous metallurgical waste, which were sourced from a steel factory in Egypt. The routine tests were conducted on EAFS materials to examine the physical, mechanical, and chemical properties, which were compared with the virgin aggregate (limestone). Blends of limestone aggregates/EAFS with percentages of 100/0, 80/20, 60/40, and 0/100% were selected to be employed as binder course layer. Asphalt mixtures were designed by Marshall method to find the optimum binder content. Test results showed that as the EAFS percentage in the mix increased, both the stability and density of the mixes increased. In addition, the flow and voids in mineral aggregates (VMA) were found to decrease with an increase in the EAFS content.