Aggrandizing the Mechanical Behaviour and Environmental Benefit of Flexible Pavement Using Imperial Smelting Furnace Slag (ISFS)

• Enhancement in the performance of flexible pavement is claimed by using the ISFS as a substitute of natural aggregates in asphalt layers i.e. bituminous concrete layer and dense bituminous macadam layer of the flexible pavement.
• The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein fine aggregate is replaced by ISF slag up to 50%, strength enhancement of bituminous layer is claimed in both gradations of bituminous concrete and dense bituminous macadam as per IRC-111.
• Cost benefit due to addition of ISF slag in flexible pavement is claimed.

India is rich in mineral production like zinc, copper etc. and due to which huge slag is being produced annually as a waste. Slag is a hazardous waste and cannot disposed off directly as a land fill material.
With respect to above problem statement, two important benefits/solutions are being proposed-

• Effective utilization of ISF slag in road construction, thereby, preserving the natural aggregates resources.
• Substitution of fine aggregates with ISF Slag to conserve energy consumed in processing of fine aggregates.

• Conservation of natural fine aggregates and energy utilized in processing and production of fine aggregates.
• Use of ISF slag in flexible pavement showed no hazardous impact on the environment as per preliminary assessment.
• The incorporation of ISF Slag in flexible pavement renders economy in comparison to the conventional mix.