Use of TSRU Materials for Innovative Road Pavement Applications

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This project will investigate an innovative application for tailings solvent recovery units material (TSRUM) in the asphalt road construction sector. TSRUM is composed of 6% asphaltenes, 17% minerals, and approximately 75% water. Hence, it is expected that pre-mixing TSRUM in a wet form in an appropriate proportion with the aggregates will provide the required moisture to facilitate mixing of the aggregate with the asphalt emulsion and asphaltenes to enhance the properties of the stabilized layers. For this purpose, the addition of TSRUM (containing water) to the granular soil with and without asphalt emulsion will be studied. By evaluating the physical and mechanical properties of the designed mixes, different mix designs will be prepared for combinations of granular aggregate, TSRUM, and asphalt emulsion. The mechanical properties of the mixes will be evaluated at the mix design stage using Marshall stability and tensile strength tests. After finalizing the mix designs, the mix's performance properties, including rutting resistance, moisture resistance, and cracking resistance, will be investigated.The objectives to be addressed in the proposed research are to: (1) develop a mix design for a combination of granular aggregates and TSRUM for road base course application; and (2) investigate the performance properties of the designed mixes, including resistance to permanent deformation, moisture sensitivity, and cracking resistance.The proposed project, led by the University of Alberta in partnership with Imperial Oil, will develop an innovative and value-added application for TSRUM in the pavement industry. This research will benefit not only the oil sands sector, which is generating the currently low-value TSRUM product, but also the owners and end-users of roads in Canada and abroad.