Evaluation of Mechanical and Polishing Performance of Non-Standard Aggregate in Sarawak

Ervin Rangga, Edwin (2024) Evaluation of Mechanical and Polishing Performance of Non-Standard Aggregate in Sarawak. Masters thesis, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak.

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Abstract

This research explores the potential of locally sourced, non-standard aggregates as substitutes for conventional materials like granite in pavement construction, focusing on their mechanical and skid resistance properties. Skid resistance, crucial for road safety, is determined by the pavement’s ability to generate sufficient friction with a moving tire and is influenced by aggregate characteristics and external factors like traffic and environmental conditions. In Sarawak, where local materials often become polished under traffic, maintaining adequate skid resistance is challenging. This study investigates the mechanical properties and polishing behavior of various non-standard aggregates, comparing them to traditional granite. Key properties analyzed include the flakiness index, elongation index, water absorption, and aggregate durability. The flakiness index, reflecting the aggregate's shape and pressure resistance, was satisfactory for granite, limestone, and river gravel, but not for sandstone. The elongation index, indicating length-based durability, showed that only limestone exceeded standard values, while the others conformed. Water absorption assessments revealed that granite and limestone met the standard of less than 2%, highlighting their durability. A critical part of the study was examining the Polished Stone Value (PSV), which assesses skid resistance. Granite showed the highest PSV, followed by sandstone, limestone, and river gravel. However, apart from river gravel, all aggregates failed to meet the JKR Standard requirements. The study also observed that blending different aggregates resulted in varied PSV outcomes, demonstrating the impact of mixed particle characteristics on skid resistance. This research provides vital insights into the suitability of non-standard aggregates for road construction, emphasizing their role in enhancing road safety and durability. The findings shows that the combination of standard aggregate and non-standard aggregate has shown the potential use of non-standard aggregate for asphaltic concrete.

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