This research evaluates the applicability of ponded ash in the production of backfill material. From various ponded ash/sand ratios, cement, and air foam conditions, test specimens were developed to investigate many engineer properties of backfill material. Then, the falling weight deflectometer and excavation tests were carried out to determine the behavior of the material in the actual testbed. The test results suggested that all mixtures achieved optimal flowability performance with acceptable stiffening time. It is indicated that the compressive strength increased as ponded ash and cement contents increased, but the strength decreased with an increase in air-foam content or number of freeze-thaw cycles. From the testbed results, it was found that utilizing 100% ponded ash in the production of backfill material is very promising for sustainable development purpose.

This study evaluated the effect of steel slag and steel wool fibers (SWF) on self-healing performance of asphalt mixture. The microstructure and distribution of SWF in mixture were examined by a computerized tomography scan and image analysis program. Thermal conductivity was investigated using the thermal constant analyser. The heating rate and healing performance were measured by induction heating system. The results showed the uneven distribution and the agglomeration in the mixtures when the content of fibers exceed a certain dosage. It was found that the mix with steel slag had higher heating rate than the mix with normal aggregate; however, its healing performance was slightly lower because of the breaking of weak steel slag. Finally, the mechanical test results indicated that SWF can enhance the resistance and prolong the fatigue life of asphalt mixtures.

This paper evaluates the affection of steel slag in the asphalt mixtures for the self-healing purpose through microwave heating technique. Four different contents of steel wool fibers (SWF) were developed in hot mix asphalt and two types of aggregate were used: steel slag aggregate and normal aggregate. By using the infrared camera, the thermal distribution, as well as the optimum healing time of test samples, were recorded. All mixtures were evaluated their healing performance throughout 8 cycles. The substitution of about 30% normal coarse aggregate by steel slag is prominent due to its effect not only produces better healing performance but also enhances the whole mixture improve load-displacement trend with higher ductile behavior. The application of steel slag in HMA is a promising method which contributes toward the sustainable roadway development.