Carbonate Aggregates in Pavement Surfaces

About the project:

This research project will focus on developing an accelerated wearing protocol to assess the susceptibility of asphalt surface mixes to polishing.

This study will also assess surface mixes that contain various amounts of carbonate aggregate while maintaining satisfactory wearing and skid characteristics of the pavements. Use of locally available polishing aggregates can reduce the cost of asphalt mixes.

This is the second phase of this study. The first phase focused on assessing the characteristics of selected carbonate aggregates available in Virginia that are normally classified as "polishing" and thus not considered suitable for use in pavements except those roads with averrage daily traffic under 750 vehicles per day. The selection of aggregates used in pavements is critical in producing surfaces that will continue to provide good skid resistance through a lengthy service life. VDOT specifications call for nonpolishing aggregate for use in most surface layers.

Project Team

Project Monitor

Other Investigators