Design of Functional Chip Seal on Asphalt Pavement with Recycled Steel Slag as Aggregate

Steel slag has witnessed extensive utilization in numerous aspects, and recycling steel slag as aggregate in pavement is the primary way to eliminate it in large quantities. This study developed the heat healing and deicing functions of an asphaltic thin overlay used for preventive maintenance of roads by incorporating solid waste steel slag. The healing efficiency and deicing performance of chip seal samples made of steel slag and natural aggregate were compared. The results showed that a considerable improvement in aggregate retention performance was achieved by incorporating steel slag as aggregate through heat healing, and the optimal heat time was determined. Meanwhile, recycling steel slag in chip seal could also notably increase the deicing efficiency. This study provides a critical opportunity to recycle steel slag as substitute for natural aggregate to relieve the environmental impact of the steel industry and offers an essential contribution to advance the functionalization of road infrastructure.