Optimum Portland Cement-Ceramic Waste Powder Blend as Filler in Bituminous Macadam

Industrial and technological advancements have led to an increase in environmental waste. Natural sources of construction materials have depleted over time making access to quality materials difficult. Recurrent deterioration of asphalt pavements, especially those subjected to heavy truck traffic has also become prevalent recently. This paper aims to evaluate the strength properties of Bituminous Macadam Surfacing (BMS) prepared with blends of Portland cement (PC) /Ceramic Waste Powder (CWP) as filler; replacing PC with CWP in 20 % increments (20 %, 40 %, 60 %, 80 % and 100 %). The Marshall properties of the mixes were tested and the results were compared with standard specifications as stipulated in the Nigeria General Specification for Roads and Bridges. The results showed that CWP significantly improved the Marshall properties, especially stability. At 80 % CWP and 5 % bitumen content (optimum bitumen content), stability of 11.2 kN was observed compared to 9.84 kN at 0 % CWP (control sample); representing a 13.82 % increase in stability. Similar improvement was observed in Marshal flow and volumetric properties. An 80 % CWP (by weight of filler) gave optimum values for all Marshall parameters and obtained values fall within the limits adjudged by The Nigerian Federal ministry of works & housing. An 80 % CWP by weight of filler is therefore recommended for the construction of BMS