Evaluating the Mechanical and Durability Performance of Carbon-Sulfur Mix Asphalt Modified with SBS and SZ additives

The rising quantities of the blowdown (carbon-sulfur) hydrocarbon waste generated in the production of sulfur posed challenges to the environment in Iraq. This research paper explored the application of blowdown as a sustainable filler in asphalt mix that had been modified with SBS polymer and synthetic zeolite (SZ) additives. Six asphalt mixtures were prepared with blowdown and traditional fillers of CaCO₃ and were tested concerning mechanical and durability performances, using Marshall stability, indirect tensile strength, and deformation strength tests. Findings indicated that the SBS-modified blowdown mixtures had better strength, cracking, and rutting resistance than any other mixtures. These results proved that blowdown waste can be a good filler to be used in sustainable pavements to provide improved performance and environmental advantages