MPC
Research Projects (2002-03)

Identifying Number

MPC-236

Project Title

Evaluation of Moisture Susceptibility of Asphalt Mixtures Containing Bottom Ash

University

University of Wyoming

Project Investigator

Khaled Ksaibati
University of Wyoming
(307)766-6230
khaled@uwyo.edu

Dr. Mengian Zeng
University of Wyoming
(307)766-2854
zeng@uwyo.edu

External Project Contact

Mr. James Murphy, President
CE & MT
P.O. Box 4098
Gillette, WY 82717-4098

Project Objective

Conduct applied research to evaluate the moisture susceptibility of bottom ash asphalt mixes.

Project Abstract

Bottom ash, a waste by-product from coal-fired power plants, has been utilized in paving applications. This utilization includes the use of bottom ash as part of the aggregate in asphalt mixtures. While it is well known that moisture has an effect on the performance of traditional asphalt mixtures, the moisture susceptibility of mixtures containing bottom ash remains unknown. In particular, the following questions need to be answered:

• What are the effects of moisture condition, freeze-thaw cycle, and low temperatures on the performance of mixtures with bottom ash?
• What are the appropriate amounts of bottom ash that can be added for satisfactory performance of the mixtures?

Task Descriptions

• Task 1 – Contact power plants in Wyoming to obtain bottom ash samples.
• Task 2 – Obtain two aggregate sources for inclusion in the experiment.
• Task 3 – Prepare mix designs that incorporate bottom ash in the mixes.
• Task 4 – Utilize the results from the mix design in the preparation of laboratory samples for freeze-thaw testing.
• Task 5 – Summarize the findings from the freeze-thaw testing.
• Task 6 – Compare the findings from the control and bottom ash mixes.
• Task 7 – Deliver a final MPC report summarizing the findings of the study.
• Task 8 – Submit a TRB technical paper.

Milestones, Dates

• Starting Date: July 1, 2002
• Project Milestones:
  • Finishing the analysis: May 31, 2003
  • Deliver a final MPC report: June 30, 2003
  • Submit a TRB paper: August 1, 2003
• Ending Date: June 30, 2003

Yearly and Total Budget

$146,647

Student Involvement

One graduate student; one undergraduate student

Relationship to Other Research Projects

The University of Wyoming has performed several studies on bottom ash. These studies will guide the activities of this new study.

Technology Transfer Activities

Transportation Departments in Region 8.

Potential Benefits of the Project

Increased and effective utilization of waste bottom ash in asphalt pavements in the Mountain-Plains region.

TRB Keywords

Pavement performance, moisture susceptibility, bottom ash asphalt mixes