Sustainable Utilization of Waste Jarosite As Alternative Filler in Asphalt Mixes

Abstract

Jarosite (JS) is an industrial solid waste obtained from zinc industries that plays an important role as a pollutant engendering soil and ground water contamination. The present research article has highlighted the use of JS as a filler material in pavement construction, thereby limiting its pernicious threat to the environment and promoting sustainable construction practices. This study compared the performance of asphalt mastics and mixes made with JS with their counterparts made with conventional materials (stone dust) and a widely used waste (fly ash) filler. A physical and chemical characterization of fillers was completed, and then the asphalt concrete mixes were designed at varied filler proportions (2%, 4%, 6%, and 8%). Subsequently, the asphalt mastics corresponding to various mixes were designed, and their rheological and morphological properties were assessed. Finally, the performance of asphalt mixes against various types of distress was analyzed along with their environmental suitability. The results highlighted that asphalt mixes containing JS exhibited paramount resistance against cracking, moisture sensitivity, and rutting. This result was mostly attributed to the high porosity, finer nature, high specific surface area, and high asphalt–filler interaction of JS. In addition to the superior engineering properties, the asphalt mixes containing JS were also found to exhibit satisfactory environmental suitability.