Investigation of the physic-chemical properties and toxic potential of Basic Oxygen Furnace Slag (BOF) in asphalt pavement constructed after 15 years

Abstract The evolution of physic-chemical characteristics of Basic Oxygen Furnace Slag (BOF) aggregates in asphalt pavement and their environmental impactions on soil after long-term service were studied. Specific hydration products were found in the BOF aggregates from pavement, indicating their hydration after loss of asphalt. The leachates from asphalt mixture and BOF were both falling below limits. The accumulation of toxic metals released from BOF highly correlated with those in soil beneath construction site. It was then concluded that the current high-risk condition of soil results in long-term accumulation of toxic elements released from exposed BOF.