Abstract:
Asphalt is made by mixing aggregates, filler and binder materials together
according to pre-determined ratios. Out of the total asphalt weight, 94% to 95%
consists of aggregate. It is not surprising that the performance of asphalt concrete
mixtures is influenced by the properties of their aggregate blends, such as gradation,
shape (angularity and elongation), texture (roughness) and mineralogy. In asphalt
concrete, numerous studies have related gradation, shape, and texture of the
aggregate to durability , workability , shear resistance, tensile strength, stiffness,
fatigue response, rutting susceptibility, and optimum binder content of the
mixtures. However, a few has described about the influence of mineralogy on
characteristics of asphalt. This research has been carried on to make an effort to fill
that gap between the aggregate mineralogical properties and the characteristics of
asphalt concrete. Under the research, a number of representative aggregate samples
were collected from different quarry sites which are currently used in the process of
manufacturing asphalt all over the country. The samples were subjected to a series
of tests in order to determine both physical and mineralogical properties. Marshall
stability and flow values of the asphalt mixtures were determined to assess the
properties of asphalt made using the collected aggregates. Finally, using test results,
an analysis was conducted followed by the conclusions made using the test results,
a set of recommendations were proposed.
