Performance characteristics of road-base containing mixed steel slag and cathode ray tube glass

Abstract

One way to promote sustainability in construction is through the preservation of natural resources and utilization of recycled wastes. This paper describes a laboratory study on the use of steel slag and cathode ray tube (CRT) glass for road base pavement layer. Measurements of the physical and mechanical characteristics of each sample are taken to evaluate the effectiveness of using these materials in road base pavements. The laboratory evaluation comprised of Los Angeles abrasion value (LAAV) test, California bearing ratio (CBR) test and performance characterization; the unconfined compression strength (UCS) and indirect tensile strength (ITS) tests were also performed. The values for LAAV are satisfactory, indicating that the steel slag and granite mixtures have adequate resistance and abrasion for use as road base pavement aggregates. The higher percentages of steel slag in the mixture produced higher CBR values for both the soaked and unsoaked mixtures. Test results also show that the mixtures containing up to 70% steel slag and 15% CRT glass meet the standards requirements. Results of the UCS and ITS tests for performance characterization showed that the performance of the sample mixture was enhanced significantly upon incorporating a higher percentage of steel slag in the mixture. The lab test results showed that the mixture composing of granite, steel slag and CRT glass is a suitable alternative made from recyclable materials, for use in road base pavement layer.