Mechanical and environmental performance comparisons of improved asphalt pavement wearing courses with high quality aggregates, steel slags, and polymeric compound

The use of waste materials in the construction of hot mix asphalt (HMA) pavements is an important opportunity for environmental sustainability. When properly designed, the alternative mixtures may also guarantee excellent mechanical performance. In this study, the results of an experimental analysis carried out on dense-graded HMAs are presented. In particular, the performance of a "traditional" surface mixture with limestone aggregate (designed with neat bitumen or a polymer-modified bitumen within the typical acceptance requirements for intended use in wearing courses) was compared with two alternative mixtures. The research investigated a surface mixture including coarse basaltic aggrega…