Eaf Steel Slag Application Posibilities in Croatian Asphalt Mixture Production

Abstract

This paper demonstrates the results of testing basic physical and chemical properties of steel slag generated in the steel mill of CMC Sisak d.o.o., Croatia, with the purpose of its characterization as the type of waste, i.e. by- product intended for recycling in other industries. Special attention has been directed at investigating the possibilities of it being used as substitute for natural mineral aggregates when producing asphalt mixtures. The results which were obtained by testing geometric, physical-mechanical properties, as well as the properties of duration on the specimen of electric arc furnace steel slag, have satisfied the conditions for manufacturing mixtures of the tested steel slag and natural aggregate which can be used in asphalt production. In comparison to the natural carbonate and silicate aggregates which are used in asphalt mixtures on highways and roads with heavy traffic, the examined steel slag has equally good physical-mechanical properties. Within the framework of this project, test fields have recently been constructed. The existing wearing course was replaced by an AC 11 type of asphalt, in one lane with conventional natural carbonate aggregate and in the other two lanes with slag aggregate from CMC Sisak (0/4, 4/8, 8/11). The results of measurements of skid resistance on the section constructed using natural aggregate, and the section made using steel slag aggregate, were comparable. By means of laboratory analyses and in situ monitoring it should be possible to prove that asphalt composites containing slag have sufficient durability, and can achieve and maintain the required surface characteristics for road traffic safety.