1. Petrographic and Geotechnical Characteristics of Carbonate Aggregates from Poland and Their Correlation with the Design of Road Surface Structures
- Author
-
Marek Krajewski, Mateusz Marszałek, Stanisław Styk, Paweł Łukaszewski, Emilia Wójcik, and Jerzy Trzciński
- Subjects
Technology ,Dolomite ,0211 other engineering and technologies ,asphalt concrete (AC) ,02 engineering and technology ,010502 geochemistry & geophysics ,01 natural sciences ,Article ,road engineering ,Petrography ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,General Materials Science ,Geotechnical engineering ,limestone ,021101 geological & geomatics engineering ,0105 earth and related environmental sciences ,Microscopy ,QC120-168.85 ,Aggregate (composite) ,business.industry ,QH201-278.5 ,physical–mechanical properties ,Engineering (General). Civil engineering (General) ,sustainability ,Durability ,TK1-9971 ,Asphalt concrete ,dolomite ,Descriptive and experimental mechanics ,chemistry ,Road surface ,Carbonate rock ,Carbonate ,Electrical engineering. Electronics. Nuclear engineering ,relationships ,TA1-2040 ,rock structure ,business ,Geology - Abstract
The paper presents the basic problem related with practical application of carbonate rocks in construction: are carbonate aggregates produced from such rocks favorable for building engineering, particularly for road design and construction? To resolve this problem, (1) the geological-engineering properties of aggregates are presented, (2) the correlation between petrographic and engineering parameters is shown, and (3) a strict correlation between the geological-engineering properties and the freezing-thawing and crushing resistance is recognized. This knowledge has allowed to assess the usefulness of asphalt concrete (AC) made from dolomite and limestone aggregates in the design and construction of road surface structures. The petrography was characterized using optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscope (EDS). Engineering properties were determined in accordance with European and Polish norms and guidelines. Statistical and design calculations were performed using dedicated software. The petrographic properties, and selected physical and mechanical parameters of the aggregates, were tested to show their influence on the freezing–thawing and crushing resistance. Strong functional relationships between the water adsorption, and the freezing–thawing and crushing resistance have been observed. Aggregate strength decreased after saturation with increasing concentrations of salt solutions. Calculations of AC fatigue durability and deformation allow for reducing the thickness of the road surface structure by about 20% in comparison to normative solutions. This conclusion has impact on the economy of road design and construction, and allows for a rational utilization of rock resources, which contributes to sustainable development of the construction industry.
- Published
- 2021