The use of copper slags as an aggregate replacement in asphalt mixes with RAP: Physical–chemical and mechanical behavioural analysis

Abstract

Copper slag (CS) is a derivative of copper production that is mainly composed of heavy metals. The large amount of this material accumulated around the world entails a serious environmental danger. Its use as a replacement of mineral aggregate in asphalt mixtures would allow to increase the durability and resistance, taking advantage of its physical-chemical properties. In this research, physicochemical analyses of different combinations of CS, reclaimed asphalt pavements (RAP), asphalt cement and aggregates by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Fourier-Transform InfraRed spectroscopy (FT-IR) were developed. Subsequently, Marshall stiffness ratio, indirect tensile strength (IDT) and resilient modulus tests were performed to determine their implication in mechanical behaviour.Asphalt mixes with ranges from 45 to 55% of recycled material have improved stability, Marshall Flow and Stiffness ratio, obtaining values comparable with those from a conventional mixture. At the same time, its resilient modulus and IDT values increased by 35% compared to conventional mixes. To maintain values similar to conventional mixes, when the amount of RAP decreases the amount of CS should be increased, with a maximum value of 35%. This behaviour is explained by the presence of fayalite and magnetite in CS, which are hard, dense and hydrophobic components that produce increased elastic deformation of the binder before breaking.