Using boron wastes in asphalt pavements as mineral filler

With the increase of human population, demand for substructure and raw materials also increase. Therefore, effective using of available resources is one of the most important research topic in recent years. In 2013 the World's total boron reserves amount is 1.3 billion tons as boron oxide (B2O3). Turkey, in terms of availability boron reserves, ranks first with 73 % portion. However, it is estimated that over 600 000 tonnes waste material occurred during the removing and processing of boron ore. There are negative impacts of these wastes especially on the environment and also enterprises. The construction sector is the most suitable sector to reduce the negative effects of these huge amounts of wastes to the environment and to gain to the economy. Also, these wastes can be redounded to the economy by construction sector. Raw material needs of the construction sector are highest among the industry. The significant amount of aggregate is needed during road construction operations. If a portion of the boron wastes can be reuse in road construction, significant amounts of waste material would be recycled and also there will be an important contribution for the environmental protection and sustainability.