Evaluation of road performance of steel slag asphalt mixture

Purpose This study aims to focus on the road performance of steel slag asphalt mixtures, analyzing the effects of different steel slag contents on their properties. It aims to provide theoretical and practical basis for the application of steel slag in asphalt mixtures through material characteristics, mix design, performance tests and application analysis. Design/methodology/approach Steel slag from various sources was selected to design Sup25 (25% steel slag) and SMA-13 (28% steel slag) mixtures. Through tests like gyratory compaction, Hamburg rutting, dynamic creep and dynamic modulus, combined with master curve fitting, the influence of steel slag content on mixture performance was studied. Findings Increasing steel slag content enhances the high-temperature performance of mixtures, with more significant improvement in dynamic stability of Sup25. Rut depth and creep rate decrease in the Hamburg rutting test, and SMA-13 shows better rut resistance. The dynamic modulus increases with steel slag content, and master curve fitting guides engineering material selection. Originality/value This study systematically evaluates the comprehensive performance of steel slag asphalt mixtures, revealing the mechanism of steel slag content on their compactability, deformation resistance and dynamic modulus. It provides an optimization direction and quantitative basis for the sustainable application of steel slag in asphalt pavements.