Steel furnace slag is produced as a by-product of steel making in the basic oxygen process and is non metallic. It is able to be processed into aggregates which may be used in asphalt thus effectively utilising an industrial by-product. Steel furnace slag enhances the deformation and skid resistance of asphalt as well as being resistant to stripping. In the Wollongong area steel furnace slag aggregate has been used in asphalt placed within the Steelworks at Port Kembla where very heavy vehicles traverse the network daily. It has also been used by the Roads and Traffic Authority, where improved deformation and skid resistance is required, and by Wollongong Council. The performance to date of asphalt containing steel furnace slag aggregates has been encouraging with very little rutting or deformation occurring. The disadvantages of steel furnace slag aggregate are the higher density when compared to natural aggregates and the need for some extra bitumen due to the higher surface area. (A)
Abstract