Re-use in asphalt pavements of fillers from natural stone sawmilling sludge

The experimental investigation reported in the paper focused on the use in asphalt pavements of fillers originated from natural Stone Sawmilling Sludge (SSS). Performance characteristics of bituminous mastics and mixtures prepared with two types of SSS fillers, differing in mineralogical origin of stones and in stone cutting techniques, were compared with those of reference mastics and mixtures containing standard mineral filler. In the case of mastics, the testing program included the evaluation of their rheological properties at different temperatures and loading conditions. In the case of corresponding mixtures, laboratory characterization was based on the evaluation of their workability, volumetric characteristics, stiffness, and rutting potential. Experimental results indicated that SSS fillers can be conveniently used in asphalt pavements yielding satisfactory levels of performance.