Determination of aggregate morphological properties using laser and their effects on rutting of asphalt mixes

Abstract

A new and innovative three-dimensional (3-D) laser based technique was employed to accurately determine the morphological (shape) properties of aggregates used in asphalt mixes. The objective of this paper is to investigate the influence of shape properties (i.e., form, angularity and surface texture) of coarse size fractions of three aggregates on rutting performance of asphalt mixes. The asphalt mixes were manufactured using designed (blended) aggregates, and tested with the Hamburg wheel tracking test. It was established that the 3-D laser scanning technique could clearly differentiate between the form, angularity and surface texture characteristics of the three aggregates studied. The results obtained from the study indicate that a more angular and textured aggregates provide better resistance to rutting, thereby improving the performance of asphalt mixes.