Properties of Asphalt Concrete Using Aggregates Composed of Limestone and Steel Slag Blends

Abstract

This research investigates the mechanical properties of asphalt concrete using aggregates consisting of limestone (L) and steel slag (S) blends. The properties of the L/S asphalt concrete were compared with those of L asphalt concrete. Two commercially available asphalt cements were used: asphalt cement penetration grade AC60/70, and polymer-modified asphalt (PMA). Test results indicated that S replacement improves the stability of L asphalt concrete. The flow value and the strength index were found to be insignificantly affected by the asphalt cement and aggregate. The stability of L/S asphalt concrete was higher than that of L asphalt concrete for both AC60/70 and PMA. The L/S asphalt concrete using AC60/70 exhibited a high stability compared with the limestone asphalt concretes using PMA. This indicates that the L/S asphalt concrete using AC60/70 can be used as a green and economical pavement surface for a high-traffic-volume road alternative to L asphalt concrete using PMA.