Leaching evaluation and performance assessments of asphalt mixtures with recycled cathode ray tube glass: A preliminary study

Abstract

This study intends to evaluate the feasibility of the use of recycled cathode ray tube (CRT) glass in water-foamed asphalt mixtures used in low volume roads. In the asphalt mixture samples, 21.5% (wt.) aggregates were replaced by the recycled CRT glass to evaluate the mechanical performance and leaching potential. First, the leaching test was used to characterize the leaching potential of the CRT mixes since there is high lead content in CRT glass, which may be harmful to the groundwater if the hazardous lead leaches from the CRT mixes. Second, the high-temperature rutting and the low-temperature cracking performance of the asphalt mixtures were measured via the Hamburg Wheel Tracking Test (HWTT) and the Disk-Shape Compact Tension (DCT) test, respectively. In addition, the Moisture-Induced Stress Tester (MIST) was used to simulate the pore pressure generated in a wet pavement under moving traffic loading. The experimental results showed that, although the measured lead leaching of the pure CRT glass particles was higher than the regulatory level of 5 mg/L, the coated asphalt could effectively insulate the contact between CRT glass and the external environment, resolving the leaching issues. In summary, from the view of the mechanical performance of the water-foamed asphalt mixtures containing recycled CRT glass, the performance is acceptable in various temperatures when used in low volume roads. Recycling CRT glass in asphalt mixture should be carried out with extreme caution because if not done correctly, the potential leaching may eliminate the benefits of recycling unwanted waste materials.