A recent study has revealed the potential for using recycled steel slag in road paving, which could contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution, in addition to extending the operational life of roads and lowering maintenance costs.
Researchers have developed a mixture of steel slag and epoxy-modified asphalt, characterized by higher resistance to corrosion and deformation compared to traditional paving materials.
The study showed that the mixture containing approximately 35% epoxy achieved the best balance between extending road life, cost, and environmental benefits. When the model was applied to China's urban road network, the study estimated that if all urban asphalt were replaced with this type of paving, it could reduce approximately 1.74 billion tons of CO2 equivalent and 1.23 billion kilograms of fine particulate matter during the evaluation period.
The study indicates the possibility of applying the idea in other countries with high steel production, including India and countries in Southeast Asia and Africa, while acknowledging the continued need to address challenges related to transportation, infrastructure, and a curing period of up to seven days before roads can be opened to traffic.
