Reduction of Landfill Waste by Recycling Spent Blast Abrasives in Hot Mix Asphalt in New Orleans

Abstract

Using spent abrasive blast material (ABM) in hot mix asphalt to replace part of the fine aggregates used in the production of conventional hot mix asphalt has environmental benefits (e.g., reduction of dust, minimization of disposal and potential contamination of adjacent waterways). Usually these wastes are disposed of in landfills. Reuse is especially beneficial to southeast Louisiana, where massive amounts of hurricane debris and reconstruction wastes require vast landfill space. This paper is concerned with recycling the spent ABMs that are generated at two shipyards in New Orleans, Bollinger Shipyards, and Northrop-Grumman Avondale, as opposed to onsite storage and disposal in non-hazardous landfills. A feasibility study, including mechanical and environmental tests, was performed to evaluate if the waste can be used as part of a modified hot mix asphalt. The Marshall Method was used for evaluating the performance of the modified mix. Preliminary mechanical and environmental test results indicate that the modified hot mix asphalt will perform similarly to conventional hot mix asphalt. One of the major findings of this study is that the recycling and reuse option is a more desirable waste management option. Waste minimization credit may be given to the shipyard generator of the recycled spent ABM.