Enhancing performance of bituminous mixtures using digested sludge ash: A response surface methodology approach

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Case Studies in Construction Materials

Abstract

This study investigates the use of digested sludge ash (DSA) as a modifier in bituminous mixtures, focusing on optimizing its proportions with bitumen to enhance performance properties and promote sustainability in road construction. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was employed to systematically analyse the effects of varying DSA and bitumen content on performance properties, including voids in total mix (VTM), voids in mineral aggregates (VMA), voids filled with bitumen (VFA), bulk specific gravity (Gmb), stability, flow, dry and wet tensile strength, tensile strength ratio, rapid rutting, dynamic and elastic modulus values. The experimental design involved preparing bituminous mixtures with varying proportions of DSA (4–16 %) and bitumen (5–6 %) to evaluate their impact on performance properties. The results indicate that DSA can effectively enhance bituminous mixture performance. Further, optimal performance was observed with a bitumen content of 5.5 % and a DSA content of 10 %, achieving a balance between performance properties. Statistical analysis using ANOVA validated the significance of the models and the influence of DSA and bitumen content on mixture properties. This study highlights DSA as a sustainable and effective modifier to enhance bitumen performance, offering both environmental and economic benefits by utilizing a waste material to enhance pavement performance.

DOI

10.1016/j.cscm.2025.e05113

Publication Date

12-1-2025

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