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Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology

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

Authors:
Ismael Terrero-Aguirre1
Yasmany Medina-Zaldivar2
About authors
  • 1 — Master of Science in Mining Associate Professor University of Moa ▪ Orcid
  • 2 — Master of Science in Technosphere Safety Associate Professor University of Moa ▪ Orcid ▪ Scopus
Date submitted:
2026-03-11
Date accepted:
2026-06-25
Online publication date:
2026-07-27

Abstract

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.

Область исследования:
Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology
Keywords:
asphalt concrete petroleum sludge serpentinite vitric tuffs waste management
Funding:

None

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