ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT: Petroleum-Contaminated Soil (PCS) can result from leaking oil spills on clean soils, or soils surrounding petroleum refineries and crude oil wells. In Oman, Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) generates approximately 50,000 tons/year of petroleumcontaminated soil (PCS) and faces a real challenge to safely dispose of these quantities. This paper presents the results of using PCS as an fine aggregate substitute in Hot Mix Asphalt concrete (HMA) with a percentage up to 40%, by total aggregate weight. Environmental assessment was performed by analyzing the raw contaminated soil for heavy metals, and hydrocarbons. The Marshall mix design method was used to prepare and test the mixes. As a simple performance test, the dynamic modulus (|E*|) test was conducted on 4 by 8 inches samples prepared at optimum asphalt contents for mixes containing different percentage of PCS. The test was conducted at different temperatures up to 60°C and frequencies 0.1, 0.5, 1, 5, 10, and 16 Hz. Master curves were developed from the testing results. The mixes at optimum asphalt content were evaluated for moisture susceptibility using the indirect tensile strength. The results indicated that the criteria for a surface mixture according to Oman’s specifications can be met, with the exception of VMA, with up to 15% of contaminated soil. The tensile strength ratio (TSR) criteria can also be met. The (|E*|) master curves results indicated that the addition of PCS produces mixes that are more susceptible to rutting.
