Optimizing Nickel Slag in Stone Matrix Asphalt: A Sustainable Alternative to Natural Coarse Aggregate

Authors

  • Alpius Alpius Civil Engineering Department, Hasanuddin University, Indonesia
  • Rita Irmawaty Civil Engineering Department, Hasanuddin University, Indonesia
  • Wihardi Tjaronge Civil Engineering Department, Hasanuddin University, Indonesia
  • Sumarni H. Aly Civil Engineering Department, Hasanuddin University, Indonesia
Volume: 15 | Issue: 4 | Pages: 24402-24408 | August 2025 | https://doi.org/10.48084/etasr.11175

Received: 27 March 2025 | Revised: 25 April 2025 and 13 May 2025 | Accepted: 15 May 2025 | Online: 2 August 2025


Corresponding author: Alpius Alpius

Abstract

This study investigated the potential of utilizing water-cooled Nickel Slag (NS) as a replacement for Crushed Stone (CS) in Stone Matrix Asphalt (SMA) mixtures, where structural strength relied on aggregate interlocking. Key empirical parameters from the Marshall test, including stability, flow, Void in Mix (VIM), Void in Mineral Aggregate (VMA), and asphalt drainage, were assessed across asphalt content levels of 6%, 6.25%, 6.5%, 6.75%, and 7%. The results indicated that the optimum Marshall characteristics for SMA mixtures using 100% NS as coarse aggregate occurred at an asphalt content of 6.25%, corresponding to those of conventional CS mixtures. Additionally, they exhibited high stability and low flow, enhancing resistance to rutting and permanent deformation, while their low asphalt absorption reduced binder demand. These finding suggests that NS is a viable, cost-effective alternative to natural aggregates.

Keywords:

nickel slag, crushed stone aggregate, SMA, Marshall characteristics, draindown

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How to Cite

[1]
A. Alpius, R. Irmawaty, W. Tjaronge, and S. H. Aly, “Optimizing Nickel Slag in Stone Matrix Asphalt: A Sustainable Alternative to Natural Coarse Aggregate”, Eng. Technol. Appl. Sci. Res., vol. 15, no. 4, pp. 24402–24408, Aug. 2025.

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