Material characterization and performance evaluation of asphalt mixture Incorporating basic oxygen furnace slag (BOF) sludge

- The large surface area and alkalinity nature of BOF sludge contribute to the performance of asphalt mixtures positively.
- No zinc related compound is detected in BOF sludge by XRD and XRF.
- The leachate of BOF sludge meets the criteria of Class III underground water.
- BOF sludge added mixtures show acceptable moisture and low temperature crack resistance.

The paper offers an investigation for the viability of basic oxygen furnace slag sludge in asphalt mixture. The sludge has adequate clearance and relatively high Ridgen void. Its zinc element and toxic leachate content meet the requirements for Class III underground water in China. Therefore the BOF sludge is applicable to the filler requirements. Its alkalinity, vesicular texture, and large surface area nature all give contributions to the improvement of road performance for asphalt mixtures. Indirect tensile strength test and three points bending test respectively demonstrate that the BOF sludge added asphalt mixtures show acceptable and better moisture and low temperature crack resistance over the mixtures with limestone powder.