MPC Research Reports
Report Details

Title:	Laboratory Evaluation of Bottom Ash Asphalt Mixes
Authors:	Khaled Ksaibati and Gary L. Conner
University:	University of Wyoming
Publication Date:	May 2004
Report #:	MPC-04-159
Project #:	MPC-236
TRID #:	00978842
Keywords:	ash content, asphalt, asphalt mixtures, bottom ash, performance, tensile strength

Abstract

The main objective of this study was to investigate the effect of the addition of a coal combustion remnant called bottom ash into asphalt mixes. The intent was to determine if mixes prepared with bottom ash showed degradation of desirable performance measures when compared to control mixes. This was done through evaluation of Georgia loaded wheel, thermal strength restrained specimen, and tensile strength test results. Two types of aggregates, granite and limestone were mixed with three types of mixes, lab mix with lime, lab mix without lime, and plant mix with lime. Ash from four power plant sources in Wyoming, Control, Dave Johnston, Jim Bridger, and Laramie River, was used to produce the tested mixture combinations. Mixes were then tested for tensile strength, rutting potential and low temperature performance. All data collected during this study was summarized in a computer database and statistically analyzed. The ash mixes displayed, even in the absence of lime, the quality of maintaining desirable tensile strength properties when compared to control mixes. Even more favorable was the fact that ash mixes displayed slightly improved properties over control mixes in the presence of lime.