Copper Slag as a Sustainable Alternative to Conventional Aggregates in Moisture - Resistant Asphalt Pavement for Hilly Terrain

The accelerated development of infrastructure in hilly regions has necessitated a corresponding increase in road construction activities, leading to heightened consumption of conventional aggregate (CA) materials. This surge in demand has placed considerable pressure on natural resources, resulting in their progressive depletion. Additionally, the unique environmental challenges of hilly areas, particularly those related to moisture, exacerbate the degradation of asphalt pavements, complicating both the construction and maintenance of roads. In response to these challenges, this study explores the potential of substituting CA with copper slag (CS), a byproduct of the copper smelting process, in asphalt pavement mixes. The research aims to evaluate the moisture resistance of CS-modified asphalt mixes compared to traditional CA-based mixes. The findings reveal that incorporating CS not only alleviates the burden on natural resources by reducing CA usage but also significantly enhances the moisture resistance of asphalt pavements. This improvement is attributed to the superior physical and chemical properties of CS, including its angular shape, low water absorption, and higher alkalinity, which contribute to stronger asphalt-aggregate bonding. The study concludes that CS can be a viable alternative to CA in asphalt mixes, particularly in hilly areas where moisture-induced pavement failure is a critical concern. This approach supports sustainable road construction practices while addressing the material scarcity and environmental issues associated with conventional aggregates.