Red mud application as filler in asphalt mixtures production

Abstract

Red mud is the solid waste from bauxite processing during aluminium production. Its inadequate disposal causes social, economic and environmental prejudices. The industrial solid waste insertion evaluation in the production chain is beneficial and necessary. This work aims to evaluate the mechanical performance of asphalt mixtures produced with red mud as filling material. Asphalt mixtures with 5% and 7% red mud were produced, and permanent deformation and moisture-induced damage tests were carried out. A mixture without red mud addition (control) was produced for comparison. The results showed that the mixtures with red mud presented permanent deformation resistance greater than the control one, with more than 40% reduction in rutting deformation. The moisture damage did not significantly affect the mixtures tested. The red mud application as a filler in asphalt mixtures is viable and can be an alternative to reduce the damage such a waste can cause to the environment.