Performance Evaluation of Asphalt Concrete Based on Basalt Aggregates of Diack and Quartzite of Bakel

Abstract

In Senegal, basalt aggregates are the aggregates used for the production of asphalt. They are also in some condition in base layer. However, the only licensed and operated basalt quarry in the west-central part of the country is finished and has reached very important depths thus constituting an environmental threat. This is how quartzite present in the east of the country precisely in the department of Bakel would constitute an alternative to basalt. For this purpose, the performance of two bituminous concretes based on quartzite and basalt was compared. One is made from Diack basalt aggregates, considered as the reference aggregate for asphalt in Senegal and the other is based on Bakel quartzite aggregates, they are both class 0/14. The mechanical performance of two bituminous concretes is evaluated using the Marshall method. The results obtained from the marshall tests give compactness values between 94% and 97% representing the limits laid down in the technical specifications, the creep values for quartzite-based asphalt concrete, while respecting the limit values, are higher than those obtained with basalt aggregates. Thus showing that the former is less resistant to deformation than the former. For both bituminous mixtures, the stability values remain above the minimum value of 1000 kgf set by the specifications. The water resistance test carried out on the two bituminous concretes based on basalt aggregate and quartzite aggregate gives values of immersion/compression ratio (R ’ c/Rc) equal to 0.72 and 0.82 respectively. These values are above the minimum required value (0.70) in the technical specifications in Senegal.