APPLICATION OF SLAG FILLERS IN THE ASPHALT CONCRETE COMPOSITION FOR INCREASING THE ROAD COATING’S DURABILITY

Abstract

Introduction. The paper presents the research results of the metallurgical slag characteristics on the example of metallurgical waste of Novokuznetsk in the Kemerovo region. Moreover, the paper demonstrates the ways of metallurgical waste’s usage in the asphalt mixes’ composition for the road construction and shows design methods and features of the asphalt concrete on slag aggregates. The aim of the research is to substantiate the possibility of using steelmaking slags of the Novokuznetsk Metallurgical Plant as a mineral skeleton of asphalt concrete pavement to increase its operational reliability. Basing on the research of the physicomechanical properties of asphalt binder and testing of prototypes, the authors confirm the increased shear strength of asphalt concrete on slag aggregates and resistance to cracking in comparison with traditional mixtures. The issue under consideration is relevant by finding more efficient building materials in the context of the development of resource-saving technologies and increasing environmental requirements in the Russian regions.Materials and methods. The authors carried out investigations of metallurgical slag by determining their physical and mechanical characteristics in accordance with the existing regulatory and technical base using modern measuring instruments and testing equipment.Results. As a result, the authors selected compositions of slag asphalt concrete mixtures that satisfied the requirements of the existing regulatory and technical base across the entire spectrum of physical and mechanical parameters and operational characteristics.Discussion and conclusion. The use of metallurgical slags of the Novokuznetsk Metallurgical Plant as a filler for asphalt concrete increases its operational characteristics, especially those, which are important in conditions of intense traffic load and sharply continental climate and those, which reduce the cost of such mixtures compared to traditional ones due to the use of industrial waste in them. Therefore, the metallurgical slag seriously competes with natural building materials in the preparation and laying of asphalt mixtures for streets and roads of various categories.The authors have read and approved the final manuscript. Financial transparency: the authors have no financial interest in the presented materials or methods. There is no conflict of interest.