Estudo da utilização de agregados lateríticos em misturas asfálticas.

Abstract

Granite aggregate is widely used in the paving industry because of its satisfactory properties of strength and durability. However, in some regions, such as northern Brazil, there is a scarcity of granitic aggregates and the cost of transportation of the granite aggregate (from the region of origin to the work) makes it more expensive and makes its use impracticable. In this case, the solution is to adopt the existing material in the region. Lateritic concretions are found in almost all of Brazil as a soil typical of tropical regions. The objective of this research was to investigate the use of laterite in asphalt mixtures, replacing the traditional aggregates. In order to reach the proposed end, characterization tests of the CAP50 / 70 and of the aggregates and mechanical tests with the asphalt mixtures were carried out. The dosage of the mixtures were performed according to the SUPERPAVE methodology. The results showed that the lateritic aggregate has high porosity, low durability and tackiness to the binder. However, the characteristics presented in the asphalt mixtures with lateritic aggregate proved to be satisfactory for most of the tests, as for example the RT, Marshall and MR stability tests. It is concluded that although the lateritic aggregate presents individual characteristics unsatisfactory, this aggregate can be used in asphalt mixtures, being an alternative source for paving for regions in which there is scarcity of the granite aggregate.