Testing the abrasion resistance of aggregates including by-products by using Micro Deval apparatus with different standard test methods

• EN and ASTM methods for MD test produce different MDC with different aggregate type.
• MDC with EN method is higher than all gradations of ASTM method except for FER slag.
• In ASTM method MDC is increasing with the increase of grain size for natural aggregates, but not for slags.

Structural and functional performance of a pavement is affected by aggregate properties; therefore, characterizing the aggregate properties is crucial. Series of tests are conducted on road construction aggregates, not only for selection of appropriate aggregate which meets related specifications, but also for estimation of the long-term performance of aggregates particularly for economic and safety reasons. Micro-Deval (MD) test is the most common test used for qualifying aggregates on behalf of resistance to wear.This paper compares the European (EN) and US (ASTM) standard methods for the MD test. For comparison, MD tests were conducted on six different natural aggregates and four different by-products according to different standards. Three types of limestone, two types of basalt and one boulder were used as natural aggregates, and three types of Electric Arc Furnace steel slag and one Ferrochrome slag were selected as by-products. Physical, mechanical, and chemical properties of the aggregates were also determined. The test results show that both methods produce different mass losses with different aggregate type and grain size. The percentage loss in mass which is referred to as Micro Deval Coefficient “MDC” with EN 1097-1 method is higher than all gradations of ASTM method except for Ferrochrome slag. Moreover, the results obtained with ASTM test method show that MDC values are increasing with increase of grain size in natural aggregates but, this tendency is not observed in slags.