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Ismael Terrero-Aguirre
Ismael Terrero-Aguirre
Master of Science in Mining
Associate Professor
University of Moa
Associate Professor, Master of Science in Mining
University of Moa
Moa
Cuba

Co-authors

Articles

Article
Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology
  • Date submitted
    2026-03-11
  • Date accepted
    2026-06-25
  • Online publication date
    2026-07-27

Sustainable cold asphalt concrete from petroleum sludge and endogenous mining wastes: a circular economy approach for road maintenance in Moa, Cuba

Article preview

The accumulation of petroleum sludge in port facilities constitutes a significant environmental liability due to its high viscosity and complex management. This study evaluates the technical feasibility of using this waste as the main binder in the formulation of a cold asphalt concrete, combining it with endogenous aggregates (serpentinites from nickel industry rejects and vitric tuffs) for road maintenance in Moa, Cuba. A physical-chemical characterization of the materials was carried out, and asphalt mixtures with sludge contents of 8.0; 8.5, and 9.0 % were designed. Twenty-four specimens were fabricated using Marshall compaction, and their properties (density, stability, and deformation) were evaluated according to Cuban standards. After applying statistical quality control (rejection of specimens with > 10 % deviation), the experimental results demonstrated that curing time is a determining factor. After 45 days of curing at room temperature, the optimal mixture (8.5 % sludge) developed a Marshall stability of 7.32±0.21 kN and a deformation of 3.38±0.15 mm, satisfactorily complying with the quality indices of Cuban standard NC 54-18:1985 for dense mixtures. Environmental leaching tests confirmed the encapsulation of contaminants. This approach offers a sustainable technical solution for road infrastructure and contributes to the circular economy through the valorisation of industrial waste.

How to cite: Terrero-Aguirre I., Medina-Zaldivar Y. Sustainable cold asphalt concrete from petroleum sludge and endogenous mining wastes: a circular economy approach for road maintenance in Moa, Cuba // Journal of Mining Institute. 2026.