Effect of electric arc furnace dust (EAFD) on properties of asphalt cement mixture

Electric arc furnace dust (EAFD) is one of the by-products of steelmaking industry which has been classified as hazardous due to containing some heavy metals such as Zinc, Cobalt, Copper, Lead or Cadmium. This research aims at solving the problem of this hazardous waste by solidification/stabilization through mixing it with asphalt cement to be used for road construction. EAFD was used as an additive to the asphalt concrete mixtures with five percentages (0%, 5%, 10%, 15% and 20%) by volume of binder. Penetration, ductility, specific gravity, softening point, flash point, fire point and rotational viscosity were analyzed. It was found that while the penetration and ductility were decreasing with the increase of EAFD concentration in the binder, specific gravity, softening point, flash point, fire point and rotational viscosity were increasing. Finally it has been concluded that the results are promising for dual achievement (1) to solve an environmental problem and (2) to use the EAFD for road construction.

► The addition of EAFD to asphalt produces appropriate mixture for road construction.
► The S/S technique is an excellent mitigation option to get rid of the hazardous materials in EAFD.
► The EAFD–asphalt binder is safer and more suitable for cold weather than asphalt alone.
► Results showed that EAFD–asphalt mixtures would be for crack filling of flexible and rigid pavement as well as for roofing.