A method to use local low performances aggregates in asphalt pavements - An Algerian case study

Aggregates extracted from southern Algeria exhibit weak performances regarding the resistance to shock or to polishing. Indeed, the values of Los Angeles (LA), Micro Deval (MDE) and PSV (Polished Stone Value) tests do not always fulfil national requirements to be used in road pavement wearing courses. As a consequence, asphalt concrete made with these aggregates presents low values of skid resistance and a high sensitivity to polishing. This paper presents the results of a laboratory study, which explores the effect of an addition of sand from dunes both on mechanical characteristics and skid resistance under polishing with Wehner & Schulze machine for asphalt concrete made with local Algerian aggregates. Thus, the use of 10-20% of this sand improves skid resistance by creating an artificial microtexture which generates friction forces and resist wearing. In parallel, sand from dunes entails an increase of the asphalt mix stiffness and allows reaching acceptable mechanical performances for surface pavements' use.