Physical and Mechanical Properties of Asphalt Concrete Modified with Activated Mineral Powders

Abstract

Abstract The study of the properties of asphalt concrete modified with activated mineral powders is described. Mineral powders were exposed to physicochemical activation by the joint grinding of limestone with oil sludge in a ball mill in order to produce asphalt concrete samples. Modification of mineral powder grains surface can improve adsorption layer properties. This leads to sharp increase in the adhesion between bitumen and mineral powder grains. Activated mineral powders are characterized by lower porosity, bitumen capacity and swelling. Water resistance of such samples is higher than that of non-activated powders. It has been determined that production of asphalt concrete with activated mineral powders requires 57% less bitumen than production of control samples. At the same time, the physicomechanical properties of asphalt concrete samples fully satisfy the requirements of regulatory documents.