Project 2.21: Mineralogical Characterization of Pavement Aggregates in Maine

Mineralogical Characterization of Pavement Aggregates in Maine

2.21

Project Summary

Paving represents a significant cost for transportation infrastructure in the State of Maine. With a
low population density and high road density, the State of Maine has significant paving needs. The
adverse climate conditions across the diversity of environmental conditions in the state leads to a
variety of issues for the durability of pavement. Currently, pavement aggregates are sourced from
many local and regional aggregate vendors, and very little information exists regarding the
mineralogy of pavement aggregates used throughout the state for paving projects. With increasing
costs over recent years and decreasing pavement durability, it is essential to characterize the
mineralogy of pavement aggregates in order to evaluate its durability. The purpose of this project
is to characterize the mineralogy and texture of pavement aggregates from the primary aggregate
sources currently in use by MaineDOT. These data will be used to investigate the relationship
between pavement durability and the mineralogic properties of the source aggregates, in order to
inform future decisions regarding pavement aggregate sourcing.

Principal Investigator

Dr. Alicia Cruz-Uribe

Co-PIs

Dr. Amanda Olsen
Dr. Aaron Gallant

Institution:

University of Maine

Project Status

Active


Project Cost

$108,658.65

Start Date

11/14/2022

Project Type

Base-funded

End Date

05/01/2024

Agency ID

69A3551847101

Sponsors:

Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology, University Transportation Centers Program, Department of Transportation, Maine Department of Transportation.

Implementation of Research Outcomes:

This project is in its initial research phase. Implementation of research outcomes will be reported upon completion of the research outputs.

Impacts and Benefits of Implementation:

This project is in its research phase. Impacts and benefits of the research will be reported after the implementation phase.