Behavior of a hot-mix asphalt with aluminum shavings

Large quantities of aluminum shavings (AS) are produced daily. This study analyzed the mechanical performance of hot-mixt asphalt (HMA) with additions of 0.0 %, 0.1 %, 0.5 %, and 2.0 % AS (with respect to the total mass of the mixture). These mixtures were named HMA-19 Control, HMA AS 0.1 %, HMA AS 0.5 % and HMA AS 2.0 %, respectively. The Marshall test was performed to determine the optimum asphalt binder content (OAC) of each mixture. To evaluate the mechanical behavior, Indirect Tensile Strength (ITS), resilient modulus (RM), resistance to fatigue (stress-controlled), and static creep tests were performed. Additionally, to evaluate aspects associated with durability, the TSR (Tensile Strength Ratio) parameter was determined and the Cantabro test was performed to determine the ML (Mass loss) parameter. The results indicate that the 0.1 % AS content can be taken into account in the HMA, since it tends to improve most of the mechanical properties: it increases the parameters obtained from the ITS test (dry condition - ITSd and wet - ITSw), increases fatigue resistance, resistance to moisture damage (increases the TSR), abrasion and raveling (decreases the ML in the Cantabro test). It is also evident in this AS content, similarity in stability, Marshall stiffness, and stiffness under cyclic loading (RM) with respect to HMA-19 Control. However, the resistance to permanent deformation in the static creep decreases. ANOVA variance analyses indicate that most of the evaluated parameters present statistically significant changes. High AS contents (equal to or higher than 0.5 %) tend to worsen the mechanical performance of HMA.