Effects of circulating fluidized bed combustion (CFBC) fly ashes as filler on the performances of asphalt

Abstract

Abstract This work investigated the potential of utilizing circulating fluidized bed combustion (CFBC) fly ashes (CFAs) as alternative filler, substituting mineral powders (MPs) that are widely used in asphalt concrete. Physico‐chemical characteristics of the CFAs and MPs, as well as effects of different mix designs of CFAs and asphalt on asphalt performances were examined, including moisture susceptibility, viscosity, ductility, softening point, penetration, and antiaging performances. The results of the study show that generally the CFAs have greater effects than the MPs on improving the performances of asphalt, and that the specific surface area (SSA), free CaO (f‐CaO), morphology, and mineralogical phases of the CFAs are more favorable than those of the MPs respectively, while the alkaline values, hydrophilic coefficients, particle size distributions (PSDs), and water contents of the two fillers are similar. It is suggested that CFAs may be more suitable than MPs for the use as asphalt concrete filler. Copyright © 2009 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.