Wuhan Ligong Daxue Xuebao (Jiaotong Kexue Yu Gongcheng Ban)/Journal of Wuhan University of Technology (Transportation Science and Engineering)

This study investigates the potential use of olive waste ash as an additive in hot mix asphalt (HMA) to develop sustainable pavement materials capable of withstanding heavy traffic loads and severe climatic conditions while minimizing environmental impact. The asphalt mixture was prepared using olive waste ash, limestone aggregates, and 60/70 penetration-grade asphalt cement to evaluate its effects on rutting resistance, durability, and cracking performance. To examine the impact of OWA on the physical characteristics of the asphalt-ash binder, different percentages of OWA (0, 5, 15, and 20) were added to the weight of the asphalt binder. The binder was tested for penetration, softening point, ductility, fire and flash point, and asphalt specific gravity. The Marshall specimens and indirect tensile strength were examined using five different asphalt-ash binders. These experiments were carried out with three load frequency levels (1.0, 4.0, and 8 Hz) and at temperatures of 25 and 60°C. According to the findings, ductility and penetration had an inverse relationship; however, the increase in OWA content had a direct relationship with specific gravity, softening point, fire, and flash point. For the same amount of asphalt-ash binder, unit weight and flow dropped as the percentage of ash grew, whereas voids in mineral aggregate and air voids increased as the percentage of OWA increased. Marshall Stability rose until it reached 10% of OWA, after which it fell. A 5% percentage of olive waste ash was discovered to have a high indirect tensile strength, while the maintained Marshall stability ratio rose as the amount of ash increased.