GlasSphalt: A Borosilicate Based Sustainable Engineering Material for Asphalt Pavements

Abstract

Large quantities of waste glass generated around the world are a source of environmental pollution and burden on landfill capacities. This glass can be brought in use by incorporating it in asphalt pavements as a replacement for aggregate particles. This research aims at evaluation of various structural, functional and durability parameters of asphalt containing waste borosilicate glass (BSG). Optimum binder content and volumetric characters were accessed using Marshall mix design method, wheel tracking test was used to evaluate the rutting resistance, and four-point beam fatigue test was used to measure the resistance against fatigue cracking. Deformation characteristics were studied using dynamic modulus test, and British pendulum test and aggregate polishing value test were used to study the skid resistance. Finally, moisture damage was evaluated using rolling bottle test. The results revealed that increasing BSG content reduces the optimum binder content requirements of final mixes. Maximum stability, maximum dynamic modulus, and rut resistance were observed at 10% dosage of BSG. Beam fatigue test results showed that BSG negatively affects the fatigue resistance of asphalt. However, this negative effect was insignificant for 5% dosage and slightly significant for 10% dosage, beyond which, considerable reduction in fatigue life was observed. Moisture damage studies showed that BSG had less affinity to adhere to bitumen, particularly when using dosage greater than 10% by weight. On one hand, skid resistance test showed that with the increasing quantity of BSG, skid resistance increased.