Generally, steel slag is considered a waste material in steel industries, and its disposal in landfills is particularly harmful to the environment. To solve this issue, ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India with CSIR (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research )India, CRRI (Central Road Research Institute), and govt think tank Niti Aayog have built India's first-ever 'steel slag' road in Surat, Gujarat. The use of steel waste in making roads is not only a cost-effective process but it will help to create more long-lasting roads than those made from natural construction material. The road constructed at the Hazira industrial area in Surat has been built with 100% processed steel slag. It has now been opened for traffic on a trial basis. Read more about the project below at SURFACES REPORTER (SR):
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More Durable Than Conventional Roads
This one kilometer long road in Surat has six lanes is made from 100 percent processed steel waste, which accumulates in all layers of bituminous roads. Though it is made from industrial waste, it is said to be more durable and sturdier than conventional roads. The project is the brainchild of CSIR and CRRI, who get support from Niti Ayog and Steel Ministry and the Ministry of Transport.
"We are happy to facilitate a roadmap for the National Highway development. It's a proud moment to be a part of this prestigious project that uses 100 percent processed steel slags in all layers," the company said.
Central Road Research Institute has said that it is working on several new and advanced technologies including reclaimed asphalt, waste plastic, slag aggregates, crumb rubber, and marginal and composite materials for creating roads.
A Great Alternative
Made from steel waste, the road has a thickness that is 30% less than traditional roads. It is reported that every day at least 20 loaded trucks are crossing the stretch to check the durability of the steel road. this is a great and innovative way to upcycle steel waste that otherwise goes to landfills.
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Santosh M Mundhra, Executive Director, AMNS stated,“ Steel plants have become mountains of steel waste. This is a big threat to the environment, that is why on the instructions of NITI Aayog, the Ministry of Steel gave us a project to use this waste for construction many years ago. And after research, scientists processed steel waste at AMNS Steel Plant in Surat and got the ballast prepared from steel waste."
Every year, a million tonnes of steel waste are produced by steel industries but there were no alternate use so far. If this first pilot project proves to be a success, more roads in the country could be given the same treatment in the future.
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