Rotating furnace slag (RFS) has the characteristics of stability. In this study, the performance of thin road overlays (SMA-10), in which natural fine aggregates and fillers were replaced with RFS, was investigated in detail. X-ray diffraction fluorescence (XRF) and the toxicity characteristic leachability procedure (TCLP) were employed to characterize the RFS, including its chemical composition and toxic leaching characteristics. Based on the chemical properties of RFS, the performances of several SMA-10 mixes with different contents of RFS, including high-temperature stability, water stability, and fatigue characteristics were evaluated, which was further compared with basalt and limestone aggregates using uniaxial penetration tests, freeze-thaw splitting tests, and three-point bending fatigue tests. The results indicated that RFS is strongly alkaline, demonstrating that it has higher adherence with asphalt binders. In addition, RFS is environmentally friendly, due to low toxic leaching. For SMA-10 designed by Marshall, the fine aggregate characteristics of RFS could significantly reduce the optimal asphalt content. Meanwhile, by controlling size distribution, gradation curve, and limiting the RFS content to less than 40%. SMA-10 consisting of RFS aggregates and powders demonstrated superior resistance to cracking, deformation, and moisture-ralated damage.

CICTP