User Guidelines for Waste and Byproduct Materials

in Pavement Construction
[ Granular Base ] [ Material Description ]

STEEL SLAG User Guideline

Asphalt Concrete

INTRODUCTION

Steel slag can be processed into a coarse or fine aggregate material for use in dense- and open-
graded hot mix asphalt concrete pavements,(1,2,3) and in cold mix or surface treatment
applications.(4) Proper processing of steel slag and special quality-control procedures are extremely
important in selecting steel slag for use in asphalt paving mixes. Of particular importance is the
potential for expansion because of free lime or magnesia in the slag, which could result in pavement
cracking if ignored. Steel slag use in paving mixes should be limited to replacement of either the fine
or coarse aggregate fraction, but not both, because hot mix asphalt containing 100 percent steel slag
is susceptible to high void space and bulking problems due to the angular shape of steel slag
aggregate. Mixes with high void space (100 percent steel slag aggregate mixes) are susceptible to
over-asphalting during production and subsequent flushing due to in-service traffic compaction.

PERFORMANCE RECORD

Steel slag has been successfully used as aggregate in wearing course hot mix asphalt and in surface
treatments in the United States and internationally. Its use requires proper selection, processing,
aging, and testing to ensure that it will perform in accordance with intended design specifications.

At least 11 states (Alabama, California, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri,
Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and West Virginia) have evaluated steel slag use as aggregate in
asphalt paving, and one state agency (Louisiana) has been involved in steel slag use in surface
treatment.(5)

Some of the positive features of steel slag aggregates in hot mix asphalt include good frictional
properties and stripping resistance, high stability, and resistance to rutting/plastic deformation. Use of
unsuitable or improperly processed slag, however, can result in performance problems.

Extensive map cracking of pavements has been observed by a number of agencies in the United
States (Illinois, Indiana, and Minnesota), Canada, Germany, and Japan. The cracking is related to the
volumetric instability associated with free lime (CaO) and/or free magnesia (MgO) in the steel slag.
Hydration of the free lime or magnesia results in expansion and cracking of the slag particle. When
this reaction occurs in a pavement, cracks or popouts can occur. Recent problems reported in Ohio
and Illinois relating to deterioration, ravelling, and the coarse texture of hot mix asphalt containing steel
slag aggregate have resulted in some restrictions on steel slag use.(6)

MATERIAL PROCESSING REQUIREMENTS

Quality Control
Special quality-control procedures are needed during steel slag production (at the steel-making plant)
and during aggregate processing to ensure that steelworks "rubbish" (furnace brick, wood,
incompletely fused fragments, lime, rock, etc.) is not included as part of the steel slag aggregate.

Washing

To control volumetric instability resulting from the presence of potentially hydratable free lime and free
magnesia, only suitable high-quality furnace slags that do not contain significant quantities of
unreacted lime and dolime should be used. Recent recommended options suggest that the coarse and
fine steel slag aggregates be washed and contain less than 3 percent by mass of nonslag
constituents, and less than 0.1 percent wood content. Further, it is recommended that no detectable
soft lime particles or lime-oxide agglomerations be present.(7)

Crushing and Screening

In addition to cleaning, aging, and quality-control requirements, crushing, screening and magnetic
separation are required to produce a suitable coarse or fine aggregate product. Consistency of
gradation, unit weight, and absorption are important for steel slag aggregates to be used in hot mix
asphalt, and the aggregate processor must ensure that this is achieved.

ENGINEERING PROPERTIES

There is typically a large variation in the physical, chemical, and mineralogical properties of steel
slags. This difference is dependent on the steel-making plant, steel-making process, specific furnace,
steel slag processing, and storage strategies. For this reason, the use of steel slag aggregate must be
considered on a specific steel-making furnace and processing basis, with recognition of the inherent
variability of the slag production and the presence of potentially hydratable free lime and free
magnesia.

Some of the properties of steel slag that are of particular interest when steel slag is used in asphalt
concrete include gradation, specific gravity, durability, moisture content, absorption, frictional
properties, and thermal properties.

Gradation: Steel slag aggregates used in hot mix asphalt must meet the same gradation requirements
as conventional aggregate, as outlined in AASHTO T27.(8) For surface treatment, steel slag
aggregates should satisfy the gradation and physical requirements for ASTM D1139.(9)

Specific Gravity: Due to the relatively high specific gravity (3.2 to 3.6) of steel slag, steel slag
aggregate can be expected to yield a higher density product compared with that of conventional
mixes. Bulk relative densities are 15 to 25 percent greater than most conventional mixes.

Durability: Steel slag aggregate is very hard and abrasion resistant. Steel slag aggregates display
good durability with resistance to weathering and erosion.

Moisture Content: The relatively rough surface texture (deep pores) of steel slag increases the
susceptibility of the aggregate to differential drying and potential retention of moisture in the hot mix.
Moisture retention coupled with the presence of hydratable oxides could result in volumetric instability.
To minimize drying requirements and the potential for hydration reactions, steel slag aggregate
moisture content should be limited to 5 percent prior to use in hot mix asphalt. The moisture content of
the steel slag aggregate after drying should be no greater than 0.1 percent.

Absorption: Steel slag has somewhat higher absorption than conventional aggregate. This can result
in an increased asphalt cement demand. Asphalt cement extractability (in lab tests) can be more
difficult than for conventional aggregate.
Frictional Properties: Experience in several countries with steel slag aggregates in hot mix asphalt
suggests that very satisfactory frictional resistance can be anticipated. Polished stone values (PSV,
high values desirable) and aggregate abrasion values (AAV, low values desirable) support the general
finding that steel slag aggregate exhibits superior frictional resistance for highway pavements. (10)The
high frictional resistance, as well as the abrasion resistance of steel slag aggregate, is advantageous
in applications where high wear resistance is required, such as industrial roads, intersections, and
parking areas subjected to heavy traffic.

Thermal Properties: Steel slag aggregates have been reported to retain heat considerably longer than
conventional natural aggregates. The heat retention characteristics of steel slag aggregates can be
advantageous for hot mix asphalt repair work during cold weather.

Some of the mix properties that are of interest when steel slag is used in asphalt concrete mixes
include stability, stripping resistance, and rutting resistance.

Stability: Steel slag aggregate mixes combine very high stabilities (1.5 to 3 times higher than
conventional mixes) with good flow properties.

Stripping Resistance: Steel slag mixes typically exhibit excellent resistance to stripping of asphalt
cement from the steel slag aggregate particles. Resistance to stripping is most probably enhanced
because of the presence of free lime in the slag.

Rutting Resistance: The high stability (1.5 to 3 times higher than conventional mixes) with good flow
properties results in a mix that resists rutting after cooling, but is still compactable. Rutting resistance
is advantageous for highways, industrial roads, and parking areas subjected to heavy axle loads.

DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS

Mix Design

Asphalt mixes containing steel slag can be designed using standard laboratory procedures. Mixes
combining steel slag aggregate and conventional aggregates are usually designed volumetrically
because of the significant difference in aggregate bulk relative densities.

The requirements of ASTM D5106(11) and ASTM D4792(12) outline recommended properties of steel
slag aggregate for use in hot mix asphalt. Some agencies, such as the Pennsylvania Department of
Transportation, have adopted additional specifications setting minimum aging periods for processed
steel slag aimed at limiting the risk of expansive cracking of steel slag aggregate in hot mix asphalt.
Internationally, Germany and Japan have comprehensive specifications for the processing of steel
slag aggregates that, in addition to aging requirements and aggregate expansion testing, also include
expansion testing of the hot mix asphalt incorporating steel slag.13)

Steel slag aggregate use is limited by many jurisdictions to either coarse or fine aggregate (but not
both) to mitigate potential bulking problems (poor compactability and high void space). This problem
can also be mitigated by blending the coarse or fine steel slag aggregate with conventional natural
(more rounded) materials to facilitate the compactability of the hot mix.

A recent comprehensive assessment of steel slag aggregates in hot mix asphalt use was undertaken
in Canada. This assessment resulted in the following recommended tests and performance
specifications for slag aggregates:(13)

 Petrographic examination should be undertaken of all steel slag aggregate to identify the
presence of deleterious components. No lime or lime-oxide agglomerations should be
detected.
  The potential for steel slag expansion should be tested in accordance with ASTM D4792 in a
7-day water immersion test. A maximum expansion limit of 1 percent is recommended.
 Steel slag aggregate hot mix asphalt immersion expansion testing on final Marshall hot mix
asphalt plugs should be undertaken to ensure stable hot mix asphalt. No cracking or popouts
and only slight staining in steel slag hot mix asphalt briquettes after 72 hours of immersion in
60° C water baths should be acceptable.
 Autoclave disruption testing at atmospheric pressure using accelerated 1-hour tests to give
quick information on the slag volume expansion potential should be considered, and
acceptable limits should be established based on field performance testing.

These specifications were recommended as a supplement to minimum aging requirements for

Structural Design

Conventional AASHTO pavement structural design methods are appropriate for asphalt pavements
incorporating steel slag in the mix.

CONSTRUCTION PROCEDURES

Material Handling and Storage

The same general methods and equipment used to handle conventional aggregates are applicable for
steel slag aggregates.

Stockpiles for the processed (crushed and screened) coarse and fine steel slag aggregates, however,
should be maintained in a consistently wet condition before supply to the hot mix plants. The period of
aging in wet stockpiles should be established by process-control testing to satisfy deleterious
components criteria (autoclave soundness, ASTM D4792(12) expansion testing). The storage period
should be a minimum of 3 and perhaps up to 18 months. Until such time as process-control testing (as
outlined above) indicates that the steel slag aggregates are suitable for use in hot mix asphalt, it is
recommended that additional aging be required.

Mixing, Placing, and Compacting

Steel slag aggregate moisture content and hot mix asphalt moisture content consistency are important
to satisfactory mix production. It is recommended that the maximum moisture content of coarse and/or
fine steel slag aggregates upon introduction to the hot mix plant not exceed 5 percent. The maximum
moisture content of steel slag aggregate hot mix asphalt should not exceed 0.1 percent.

The same methods and equipment used for conventional pavements are applicable to asphalt
pavements containing steel slag.

Quality Control

The same field testing procedures used for conventional hot mix asphalt mixes should be used for
mixes containing steel slag. Mixes should be sampled in accordance with AASHTO T168, (14) and
tested for specific gravity in accordance with ASTM D2726(15) and in-place density in accordance with
ASTM D2950.(16) Cold mix/surface treatments using steel slag should satisfy conventional cold
mix/surface treatment materials requirements given by ASTM D1139.(9)

UNRESOLVED ISSUES
Several issues pertaining to the use and subsequent recycling of steel slag aggregates in hot mix
asphalt still need to be resolved. Although the incidence of map cracking associated with the use of
steel slag aggregates is widely acknowledged, there is a need to determine the extent to which this
problem undermines the structural integrity of the pavement. Limited investigations suggest that
structural performance is not adversely affected; however, more long-term monitoring data are
required to verify influence of the cracking on pavement life expectancy.

Since map cracking is recognized as a performance problem, but is not directly addressed by ASTM
and AASHTO standard methods, there is a need to establish standard methods to assess the
suitability of steel slag aggregates for hot mix asphalt use and for surface treatment. Also, long-term
field performance data are required to assess the performance of surface treatments containing steel
slag aggregates.

There is a need to assess the recyclability of steel slag in asphalt pavements incorporating reclaimed
asphalt pavement and containing steel slag aggregates. There is presently a concern that recycling
steel slag aggregate pavements that have previously exhibited volumetric stability (map cracking)
problems could result in similar problems in the recycled mix.(17)

REFERENCES

1. Rossini-Lake, L., J. J. Jiang., and C. Curtis. Reclaimed Steel Slag Pavements for Use as
Aggregates - Highway 10 Test Sections. Interim Report, Ministry of Transportation, Ontario,
December 1995.
2. Kandahl, P. S., and G. L. Hoffman. The Use of Steel Slag as Bituminous Concrete Fine
Aggregate. Final Report, Research Project No. 79-26, Pennsylvania Department of
Transportation, in Cooperation with U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway
Administration, 1982.
3. Norton, J. E., Use of Steel Furnace Slag in Bituminous Mixtures. Research Report No. 78 TB-
23, Michigan Department of Transportation, 1979.
4. Noureldin, A. S., and R. S. McDaniel. Evaluation of Steel Slag Asphalt Surface Mixtures.
Transportation Research Board, Paper No.890673, Washington, DC, 1990.
5. Collins, R. J. and S. K. Ciesielski. Recycling and Use of Waste Materials and By-Products in
Highway Construction. National Cooperative Highway Research Program Synthesis of
Highway Practice 199, Transportation Research Board, Washington, DC, 1994.
6. Blemker, D., Heckett MultiServ. (Note: MultiServ is an international firm involved in handling
steel slag -- mainly for metals recovery.) Personal Communications with M. MacKay, John
Emery Geotechnical Engineering Limited, August and September 1996.
7. Farrand, B. and J. Emery. "Recent Improvements in the Quality of Steel Slag Aggregate."
Paper Prepared for Presentation at 1995 Annual Meeting of the Transportation Research
Board, Washington, D.C., January, 1995.
8. American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. Standard Method of
Test, "Sieve Analysis of Fine and Coarse Aggregates," AASHTO Designation: T27-84, Part II
Tests, 14th Edition, 1986.
9. American Society for Testing and Materials. Standard Specification D1139-95, "Aggregate for
Single or Multiple Bituminous Surface Treatments," Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Volume
04.03, West Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, 1996.
10. Emery, J. J. "Slag Utilization in Pavement Construction," Extending Aggregate Resources.
ASTM Special Technical Publication 774, American Society for Testing and Materials,
Washington, DC, 1982.
11. American Society for Testing and Materials. Standard Specification D5106-91, "Steel Slag
Aggregates for Bituminous Paving Mixtures," Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Volume
04.03, West Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, 1994.
12. American Society for Testing and Materials. Standard Specification D4792-95, "Potential
Expansion of Aggregates from Hydration Reactions," Annual Book of ASTM Standards,
Volume 04.03, West Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, 1996.
13. JEGEL. Steel Slag Aggregates Use in Hot-Mix Asphalt. Final Report. Prepared by John Emery
Geotechnical Engineering Limited for the Steelmaking Slag Technical Committee, April, 1993.
14. American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. Standard Method of
Test, "Sampling Bituminous Paving Mixtures," AASHTO Designation: T168-82, Part II Tests,
14th Edition, 1986.
15. American Society for Testing and Materials. Standard Specification D2726-96, "Bulk Specific
Gravity and Density of Non-Absorptive Compacted Bituminous Mixtures," Annual Book of
ASTM Standards, Volume 04.03, West Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, 1996.
16. American Society for Testing and Materials. Standard Specification D2950-96, "Density of
Bituminous Concrete in Place by Nuclear Methods," Annual Book of ASTM Standards,
Volume 04.03, West Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, 1996.
17. Senior, S. A., S. I. Szoke, and C. A. Roberts. "Ontario's Experience with Reclaimed Materials
for Use as Aggregates," Proceedings, International Road Federation/ Transportation
Association of Canada Conference, Volume 6, Calgary, Alberta, July 1994.