Experimental investigation of physical characteristics of asphalt binder containing nano and micro steel slag

Abstract

Sustainable development is represented the great challenge of meeting the requirements of humans for the industrial products, transportation and influence of waste materials whereas sustaining and protecting environmental quality. The main purpose of the current research is to assess the physical properties of base and modified asphalt binders with selected percentages of nano and micro size of steel slag material. Significant physical characteristics of the modified asphalt including; ductility value, softening point, penetration index, penetration grade and viscosity values were measured. Three percentages of nano and micro size of iron slag as (1, 2, and 3) % by of the asphalt weight were blended by a shear mixer set at (3,000) rpm and mixing period fixed at 20 min at 145 °C. In general, the results have shown adding nano and micro steel slag powder that increased the viscosity values, softening point temperature, whereas reduced the ductility and penetration values. Concerning penetration index values for the modified asphalts are improved by adding slag percentages. However, the modified asphalt binder with 3% of nano slag showed a higher value of penetration index (PI) thus, it has an encouraging influence on the resistance of rutting failure.