Feasibility analysis of resource application of waste incineration fly ash in asphalt pavement materials

To confirm the feasibility of waste incineration fly ash applied in asphalt pavement materials, the waste fly ash from the waste incineration station in Dongguan (DG-FA) and Guangzhou (GZ-FA) were selected as mineral filler replacing limestone powder (LF) to prepare asphalt mortar. The physical properties, chemical composition, and thermal characteristics of FA were analyzed. The effect of FA on the physical properties and rheological properties of asphalt binder was investigated systematically. The micromorphology of FA asphalt mortar was characterized. Finally, the blocking effect of asphalt binder on the leaching of toxic elements from FA was evaluated through XRF test. The results showed that the granular composition of FA particles was similar to that of LF. Furthermore, compared to LF, the specific surface area and the pore structure of FA were more developed, and the high active amorphous material was higher. Adding FA to asphalt mortar and increasing replacing amount improved its high-temperature rutting resistance as well as its ability to adhere to asphalt, while the low-temperature crack resistance was decreased. Further, the asphalt binder provided the good shielding effect against the migration of heavy metals in FA. While the leaching concentration of Pb element slightly exceeded the hazardous waste leaching standard (GB5085.3–2007), the remaining elements met the standard requirements. Overall, FA improved asphalt mortar performance, and the asphalt had a good curing and stabilizing effect on the toxic elements in fly ash, indicating that FA could be used as a filler in asphalt pavements.