Evaluation of the performance of iron ore waste as potential recycled aggregate for micro-surfacing type cold asphalt mixtures

Abstract

Asphalt pavement maintenance requires large amounts of materials, and from the environmental point of view it is very important to look for alternative materials that improve the mechanical qualities of the pavement and one of the preventive maintenance options is to use mixtures of micro-surfaces. The objective of this research is iron ore incorporation as aggregate in cold asphalt blends to preserve natural resources. The iron ore residue, analyzed in this study, was composed of minerals such as quartz and hematite (88% and 46%). This study was grounded on International Slurry Surfacing Association ISSA A-143, National Department of Highways DNER 35/04 using the Modified Cohesion Tests (30 min and 60 min) for analysis of the behavior effect of iron ore incorporation was evaluated with test Wet Track Abrasion Test, Loaded Wheel Test, and Wet Stripping Test. The results indicated that the blends containing iron ore residue meet the requirements of national department of highways DNIT and ISSA. In addition, the iron ore residue has a great influence on loss by wet abrasion and excess asphalt as well as sand adhesion. The potential use of iron ore residue decreases the consumption of natural resources and convert these asphalt mixtures into good alternatives to cold mixtures in environmental terms.