Investigation of the Performance of Hot Mix Asphalt Enhanced with Calcined Marl Dust Used as Fillers

• Published in: International journal of pavement research & technology 2024-11, Vol.17 (6), p.1603-1619
• Main Authors: Usanga, Idorenyin Ndarake, Okafor, Fidelis Onyebuchi, Ikeagwuani, Chijioke Christopher
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Asphalt mixes; Asphalt pavements; Building Construction and Design; Calcite; Civil Engineering; Clay minerals; Construction costs; Crack propagation; Creep rate; Dust; Engineering; Fillers; Fourier transforms; Infrared analysis; Infrared tracking; Marl; Moisture resistance; Original Research Paper; Pavement construction; Pavements; Performance evaluation; Photomicrographs; Qualitative analysis; Roasting; Scanning electron microscopy; Structural Materials; Tensile strength
• ISSN: 1996-6814; 1997-1400
• DOI: 10.1007/s42947-023-00323-w

In pavement construction, the need to utilize affordable fillers to improve asphalt mixture’s performance cannot be overemphasized due to the rising cost of pavement construction occasioned by the skyrocketing cost of commonly used mineral fillers. It is germane to find alternative fillers that can not only enhance asphalt mixture’s performance but also ensures that pavement construction cost is minimized. The present study, therefore, aimed to evaluate the performance of hot mix asphalt produced with calcined marl dust (CMD) used as partial replacement of a mineral filler, granite stone dust. The CMD, which was produced by pulverization and calcination of locally available marl, was blended with asphalt mixtures in varying percentages ranging from 0 to 100% by weight of the mineral filler. Thereafter, its effect on the bitumen content, moisture susceptibility and rutting resistance of hot mix asphalt were evaluated through, dynamic shear rheometer (DSR), indirect tensile strength and wheel tracking tests. The results from the study showed that 50% CMD significantly reduced moisture susceptibility, rutting potential, high creep rate, and low stiffness of hot mix asphalt. Furthermore, qualitative analysis such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) performed on the CMD indicated that there was complete dehydroxylation of the marl clay minerals and also the presence of calcite, silica and alumina in the CMD. This greatly suggests that the pozzolanic content of the CMD improved the performance of the hot mix asphalt. Lastly, the SEM micrograph also revealed the rough and angular morphology of the CMD which may have contributed to the reduction in crack propagation and adhesion of the asphalt mixtures.