Waste Quartz Sand as a Sustainable Modifier for Bituminous Binders: An Experimental Performance Assessment
- 1Institute of Science, Department of Civil Engineering, Mersin University, 33343 Mersin, Türkiye
- 2Faculty of Engineering, Department of Civil Engineering, Mersin University, 33343 Mersin, Türkiye
Abstract
Waste quartz sand (WQS), a silica-rich by-product of the glass manufacturing industry, is commonly disposed of, creating environmental and resource-management concerns. This study addresses the limited knowledge regarding the use of WQS as a mineral-based modifier for bituminous binders. Fine WQS (<0.075 mm) was incorporated into B50/70 penetration-grade bitumen at 0%, 1%, 2%, 3%, and 4% by weight. The morphology and chemical composition of WQS were characterized, and the modified binders were evaluated for conventional physical properties, storage stability, temperature-dependent rheological response, short- and long-term aging behavior, low-temperature performance, and aggregate–binder adhesion. WQS incorporation decreased penetration and increased the softening point while maintaining satisfactory storage stability. A 2% WQS content provided the most favorable high-temperature rheological performance and rutting-related response. Low-temperature performance was largely maintained, while adhesion performance remained satisfactory at 1–3% WQS but decreased at 4% WQS. Overall, 2% WQS exhibited the most favorable balance among the evaluated binder properties. The screening-level environmental and economic assessment indicated potential reductions in virgin bitumen consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, and binder cost. These findings demonstrate the potential of finely processed WQS as a waste-derived mineral modifier for bituminous binders and provide an alternative pathway for the valorization of glass-industry waste in pavement materials.
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BibTeX
@article{calıs2026waste,
title = {{Waste Quartz Sand as a Sustainable Modifier for Bituminous Binders: An Experimental Performance Assessment}},
author = {İmam Çalış and Murat Vergi Taciroğlu},
journal = {Polymers},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.3390/polym18192424},
url = {https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC13666666},
note = {CC BY},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Waste Quartz Sand as a Sustainable Modifier for Bituminous Binders: An Experimental Performance Assessment
AU - İmam Çalış
AU - Murat Vergi Taciroğlu
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/01
JO - Polymers
DO - 10.3390/polym18192424
UR - https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC13666666
AB - Waste quartz sand (WQS), a silica-rich by-product of the glass manufacturing industry, is commonly disposed of, creating environmental and resource-management concerns. This study addresses the limited knowledge regarding the use of WQS as a mineral-based modifier for bituminous binders. Fine WQS (<0.075 mm) was incorporated into B50/70 penetration-grade bitumen at 0%, 1%, 2%, 3%, and 4% by weight. The morphology and chemical composition of WQS were characterized, and the modified binders were evaluated for conventional physical properties, storage stability, temperature-dependent rheological response, short- and long-term aging behavior, low-temperature performance, and aggregate–binder adhesion. WQS incorporation decreased penetration and increased the softening point while maintaining satisfactory storage stability. A 2% WQS content provided the most favorable high-temperature rheological performance and rutting-related response. Low-temperature performance was largely maintained, while adhesion performance remained satisfactory at 1–3% WQS but decreased at 4% WQS. Overall, 2% WQS exhibited the most favorable balance among the evaluated binder properties. The screening-level environmental and economic assessment indicated potential reductions in virgin bitumen consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, and binder cost. These findings demonstrate the potential of finely processed WQS as a waste-derived mineral modifier for bituminous binders and provide an alternative pathway for the valorization of glass-industry waste in pavement materials.
SN - 2073-4360
ER -