Investigation into the deicing efficiency and self-healing capability of asphalt mixtures with aluminum dross powder and steel fiber

In winter, reduced friction between tires and icy roads increases accident risks. This study designs an asphalt mixture incorporating conductive waste materials aluminium dross powder (ADP) and steel fibre (SF) to accelerate ice removal. Under simulated −20 °C conditions, microwave heating is applied for 120 seconds to evaluate deicing efficiency. The results show that higher ADP and SF content increases the average surface temperature (AST) and ice-melting speed (IMS). The highest AST increased by 112.86%, while IMS improved by 73.6% compared to the reference sample. A linear relationship (R2 = 0.91) is observed between ADP-SF content and microwave heating efficiency. For the Self-healing (SH) effect, an indirect tensile test (IDT) is performed before and after damage. Strength values and moisture susceptibility are also determined. Accordingly, higher ADP and SF content during 60 seconds of microwave heating enhanced healing, but after 120 seconds, increased SF content reduces healing effectiveness.