Characterization of Steel Slag Filler and Its Effect on Aging Resistance of Asphalt Mastic with Various Aging Methods

Steel slag is the by-product of the steelmaking industry, the negative influences of which prompt more investigation into the recycling methods of steel slag. The purpose of this study is to characterize steel slag filler and study its feasibility of replacing limestone filler in asphalt concrete by evaluating the resistance of asphalt mastic under various aging methods. Firstly, steel slag filler, limestone filler, virgin asphalt, steel slag filler asphalt mastic and limestone filler asphalt mastic were prepared. Subsequently, particle size distribution, surface characterization and pore characterization of the fillers were evaluated. Finally, rheological property, self-healing property and chemical functional groups of the asphalt mastics with various aging methods were tested via dynamic shear rheometer and Fourier transform infrared spectrometer. The results show that there are similar particle size distributions, however, different surface characterization and pore characterization in the fillers. The analysis to asphalt mastics demonstrates how the addition of steel slag filler contributes to the resistance of asphalt mastic under the environment of acid and alkaline but is harmful under UV radiation especially. In addition, the pore structure in steel slag filler should be a potential explanation for the changing resistance of the asphalt mastics. In conclusion, steel slag filler is suggested to replace limestone filler under the environment of acid and alkaline, and environmental factor should be taken into consideration when steel slag filler is applied to replace natural fillers in asphalt mastic.