Evaluation of the factors affecting the wear resistance of calcined bauxite aggregates

Abstract

The continuous use of load-bearing road surfaces often results in degradation over time, particularly if they are constructed from cement or aggregates that were poorly polished. Surfaces prepared from calcined bauxite exhibit good skid resistance properties, and this work describes a comparison of the wear resistance of six different kinds of calcined bauxite with the aim of identifying the best material for road construction. Our results suggest that wear resistance of calcined bauxite is not only related to its hardness, but also dependent on the hardness dispersion throughout the aggregate and its elastic modulus. These data provide important information to enable the correct grade of bauxite clinker to be chosen for constructing high-friction road surfaces with good wear and skid resistance properties.