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Transportation Systems and Materials Research Project
Title: Evaluation of Moisture Susceptibility of Asphalt Mixtures Containing Bottom Ash
Principal Investigator's Name(s): Dr. Khaled Ksaibati, P.E.
Description of Research Problem:
Bottom ash, a waste byproduct from coal-fired power plants, has been utilized in paving applications. This utilization includes the use of bottom ash as part of the aggregate in asphalt mixtures. While it is well known that moisture has an effect on the performance of traditional asphalt mixtures, the moisture susceptibility of mixtures containing bottom ash remains unknown. In particular, the following questions need to be answered:
- What are the effects of moisture condition, freeze-thaw cycle, and low temperature on the performance of mixtures with bottom ash?
- What are the appropriate amounts of bottom ash that can be added for satisfactory performance of the mixtures?
Research Objectives:
- Reveal the moisture susceptibility of asphalt mixtures containing bottom ash as it relate to climate in the Mountain-Plains Region through lab testing, such as resilient modulus and indirect tensile strength.
- Quantify the variation of the amount of bottom ash that can be added with climate and traffic volume, particularly for low-volume roads.
Potential Applications of Research:
Increased and effective utilization of waste bottom ash in asphalt pavements in the Mountain-Plains Region.