Influence of Marble Dust Filler on Marshal Properties of Hot Mix Asphalt

Abstract

Abstract: Literature review reveals that mineral fillers play a vital role in altering the properties of asphalt concrete. Despite filler being a small part of asphalt, has a predominant effect on the performance characteristics of asphalt concrete. Millions tons of marble waste is being generated by marble processing industries, leading to environmental pollution and loss of valuable land. Developed countries have strict policies for waste disposal whereas in developing countries there are almost no policies. Hence, in this research, an effort has been made to evaluate the influence of marble dust on the strength properties and permanent deformation resistance of asphalt concrete. For this purpose optimum binder content has been determined by using 5.5% conventional limestone dust filler and after determination of optimum binder content, stone dust has been replaced with marble dust in increments of twenty five percent (i.e 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, 100% ). The results of the tests performed on marble dust modified asphalt revealed that marble dust modified asphalt containing 50% marble dust have shown improvement in Marshal Stability and Flow values. Incorporation of marble dust up to 25% and 50% has resulted in better volumetric properties in comparison with stone dust made mixes. Keeping in view the improvement in properties of asphalt concrete in connection with marble dust, the utilization of freely available marble dust in asphalt concrete will have a marked impact in reducing the cost of asphalt concrete as well as minimizing the environmental problems due to disposal of waste marble dust. Keywords: Asphalt Concrete, Marble Dust, Limestone dust, Marshal Stability and Flow