UTILIZATION OF JORDANIAN OIL SHALE ASH IN ASPHALT MIX: ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

Abstract

The aim of this study is to conduct sustainability metrics for asphalt mix partially replaced by Jordanian Oil Shale Ash (OSA). Rapid Impact Assessment Matrix (RIAM) tool was applied to assess the environmental impact in an attempt to figure out the negative effects of using OSA in asphalt mix and to find the appropriate remediation action of these effects.
Analysis of RIAM’s results indicated that using Jordanian OSA in asphalt mix will cause major positive impact resulting from Economical/Operational (EO) changes. The majority of the impacts are of class N. No negative impact on human health is expected. The Sociological/Cultural (SC) components such as the population growth and the aesthetic characteristics of the area are positively affected by the utilization of OSA-based asphalt mix. Only one negative impact is found for the Biological/Ecological (BE) category, which needs imperative attention in term of mitigation.