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Comparative analysis of lateritic and granitic aggregates in asphalt mixtures: morphological properties and performance implications

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Abstract

Aggregates play a crucial role as the structural framework of asphalt mixtures, bearing the majority of the load applied to the pavement. Therefore, it is imperative to thoroughly investigate their characteristics and properties. Understanding the morphological properties of aggregates is particularly significant when considering alternative aggregate materials in asphalt mixtures. This study focuses on a comparative analysis between lateritic and granitic aggregates, both commonly found in Brazil, as constituents of asphalt mixtures. Comprehensive characterization of these aggregates was performed using conventional tests along with the advanced aggregate image measurement system 2 (AIMS2) for imaging. The produced asphalt mixtures underwent various tests, including drainage evaluation, indirect tensile strength measurement, Marshall stability analysis, assessment of moisture susceptibility damage, and Cantabro loss examination. The research revealed that parameters such as surface texture, angularity, porosity, and absorption significantly impact the performance of asphalt mixtures. The mixtures with both evaluated aggregates exhibited values within the specified limits in the standards for each mechanical performance test. While mixtures incorporating lateritic aggregates exhibited superior performance compared to those with granitic aggregates, they demonstrated greater brittleness and sensitivity to moisture due to the inherent porosity, absorption characteristics, and susceptibility to abrasion associated with laterite. Conversely, the utilization of less brittle aggregates necessitates conventional characterization methods, which suffice to comprehend the morphological properties and develop efficient asphalt mixtures.

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Data availability

The datasets used or analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

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Acknowledgements

The authors express their gratitude for the financial support received from the Paraíba State Research Support Foundation (FAPESQ), the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq), and the Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (CAPES) through research grants. The authors also extend their appreciation to the Pavement Engineering Laboratory (LEP) at the Federal University of Campina Grande (UFCG).

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The authors declare that no funds, grants, or other support was received during the preparation of this manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Civil Engineering, Federal University of Campina Grande, Aprígio Veloso 882, Campina Grande, PB, 58428-830, Brazil

    Gabryelle Keith Avelino Cruz, Sonaly Mendes Arruda, Osires de Medeiros Melo Neto & Leda Christiane de Figueiredo Lopes Lucena

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  1. Gabryelle Keith Avelino Cruz
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  2. Sonaly Mendes Arruda
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  3. Osires de Medeiros Melo Neto
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Contributions

GKAC contributed to the conceptualization, methodology, investigation, data curation, writing—original draft, and writing—review and editing. SMA assisted in the data curation, writing—original draft, and writing—review and editing. OdMMN was involved in the data curation, writing—original draft, and writing—review and editing. LCdFLL contributed to the conceptualization, supervision, and project administration.

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Correspondence to Osires de Medeiros Melo Neto.

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Cruz, G.K.A., Arruda, S.M., de Medeiros Melo Neto, O. et al. Comparative analysis of lateritic and granitic aggregates in asphalt mixtures: morphological properties and performance implications. Innov. Infrastruct. Solut. 9, 150 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s41062-024-01472-y

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