On the Use of Crushed Waste Glass in Green Asphalt Mixes

The availability of large volumes of crushed waste glass (CWG) is drawing attention to exploring its use as a potential synthetic alternative to natural sand, particularly in asphalt mixes. Such green asphalt mixes with CWG have been characterized for essential structural and durability properties in the laboratory by researchers globally. However, the use of CWG in asphalt mixes in India is still limited as it is co-disposed in municipal solid waste (MSW) landfills. This paper investigates the geotechnical properties and morphological characteristics of CWG, and a conventional aggregate from India-Badarpur sand. Marshall tests were conducted on asphalt mixes prepared without fillers using Badarpur sand and 100% replacement of this sand with CWG. Results showed that CWG-based mixes have a comparable peak Marshall stability with sand-based mixes but at a lower asphalt content. Surface roughness of aggregates caused a significant difference in absorption characteristics of both mixes, while effect of shape was seen on other Marshall parameters. Therefore, CWG meets the essential criteria for use in asphalt mixes, and the obtained results are encouraging for the same.