Use of Cyclone Dust as Fill Material in Highway Construction

Abstract

Abstract Because good-quality natural resources are depleting fast, there is an urgent need to look for alternative materials, preferably waste material, for road construction. Cyclone dust is a waste material, nonbiodegradable in nature, and is generated during production of hot mix asphalt. The percentage of waste generated varies between 7–10 % by weight of asphalt mix produced based on the type of aggregate used. Generally, 2–3 % of it is reused as filler in asphalt mixes, and approximately 5 % of cyclone dust is left unutilized, which then needs to be disposed of or reused. Planning a proper disposal of cyclone dust is a challenge for the industry. An attempt has been made to assess the suitability of cyclone dust as embankment or subgrade fill material in highway construction. Specimens from different locations across India were collected and tested in line with the requirements given by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and the Bureau of Indian Standards. It is observed that the cyclone dust meets the requirements necessary to be used as embankment or subgrade material in highway construction. This material seems to be superior to pond ash in terms of its mechanical properties and ease of use in construction.