Feasibility study of utilizing steel slag and Cathode Ray Tube Glass as aggregate replacement for road base

Abstract

The growing amount of waste materials and the shortage of landfill space highlights the urgency for alternative ways to recycle and reuse waste materials. Recycle and reuse waste materials would indirectly contribute to reducing the landfill space required for their disposal. This paper attempts to compare the physical and mechanical properties of by-product material (steel slag) and waste material (Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) glass) that could potentially be used as substitutes for natural aggregates in the construction of road pavements. This paper discusses the feasibility of utilizing recycled steel slag and CRT glass which meet the test requirements for natural aggregates utilized for pavement construction. The study method for laboratory work was carried out following the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) specifications. Physical and mechanical testing’s, i.e. specific gravity, water absorption, soundness and Los Angeles abrasion tests, were carried out to determine the suitability of using steel slag and CRT glass in the construction of road pavements. Test results indicate that steel slag and CRT glass can be used as substitutes for natural aggregates due to their satisfactory physical and mechanical properties. It can be concluded that the use of steel slag and CRT glass as a replacement for natural aggregate resulted in the sustainable management of road base paving application.