Analysis of flexible pavement with steel slag as coarse aggregate

Depletion of natural resources has created a problem to the construction industry. Owing to which engineers are now looking for alternative non-conventional materials that can be used in infrastructure development. This need has made scientists and engineers to think about wastes that can be used for benefit of mankind. In present scenario safe disposal of Industrial wastes is a great problem. These waste materials create environmental pollution in the vicinity because many of them are non-biodegradable. Studies reveal that industrial wastes can be used in road construction. Keeping this in mind, industrial waste materials which have been used till now were looked for and steel slag was selected finally. An extensive research has been made on utilization of steel slag for partial replacement of aggregates in flexible and rigid pavements. Steel slag was selected due to its characteristics which are almost similar to conventional aggregates and the fact that it is easily obtainable as a by-product of the steel industry. Steel slag has been considered for replacement of coarse aggregate in binder layer i.e. below surface layer of flexible pavements. Physical and mechanical properties were tested according to Indian Standard codes. Gradation was done as per trial and error method for conventional mixes and same was used for consecutive replacements using steel slag for the coarser portion. Marshall Tests were conducted to obtain optimum binder content and maximum possible replacement corresponding to optimum stability. The stability and flow values of conventional and replaced mixes were compared. The stability values of mix prepared with steel slag increased by 15% with respect to mix prepared with Natural aggregate. There is decrease of percentage air voids and increase in flow values for modified mix with different replacement when compared with conventional mix.Depletion of natural resources has created a problem to the construction industry. Owing to which engineers are now looking for alternative non-conventional materials that can be used in infrastructure development. This need has made scientists and engineers to think about wastes that can be used for benefit of mankind. In present scenario safe disposal of Industrial wastes is a great problem. These waste materials create environmental pollution in the vicinity because many of them are non-biodegradable. Studies reveal that industrial wastes can be used in road construction. Keeping this in mind, industrial waste materials which have been used till now were looked for and steel slag was selected finally. An extensive research has been made on utilization of steel slag for partial replacement of aggregates in flexible and rigid pavements. Steel slag was selected due to its characteristics which are almost similar to conventional aggregates and the fact that it is easily obtainable as a by-product of the st...