22 Apr 2026

Laboratory Performance Evaluation of Coarse Aggregates for Asphalt Concrete Mixtures

Abstract: An extensive laboratory evaluation was conducted to investigate the performance of coarse aggregates under different test methods. Test methods including the Los Angeles abrasion (LAA), sulfate soundness, Micro-Deval abrasion, aggregate crushing value, aggregate impact value, aggregate durability index, and aggregate slake durability were chosen to determine the aggregates’ resistance to abrasion, impact, crushing, and soundness. A total of twenty-five aggregate sources were included in the laboratory experiments, including seven different aggregate types (crushed gravel, gabbro, greywacke, granite, limestone, monzonite, and sandstone). The mineral composition of the aggregate sources was determined using X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses. According to this study, the LAA test results were reasonable in screening out an aggregate source perceived as marginally resistant to abrasion. The sulfate soundness test results were ineffective in quantifying the quality of the different aggregate sources. Most alternative test methods identified similarly unacceptable aggregate sources, consisting mainly of aggregate types composed of carbonate minerals. Strong statistical correlations were not found among the aggregate test parameters. Recommendations were given to further investigate existing test requirements for the selection of coarse aggregates, particularly when using the sulfate soundness test method.

22 Apr 2026

Validation of the Swift and Quiet Airfield Assessment Device (SQUAAD)

Abstract: The need to rapidly determine the subsurface strength required to support various aircraft loading during contingency operations is critical to the success of tactical missions. Current Air Force Special Operations teams are required to perform this task using the dynamic cone penetrometer (DCP), a destructive test method that requires up to three personnel to operate, is time-consuming and representative of only a small area, requiring multiple tests to evaluate terrain suitable for airfield landing. An alternative, nondestructive methodology to capture the subsurface strength is the Swift and Quiet Airfield Assessment Device (SQUAAD). The purpose of the study presented in this report was to validate the SQUAAD to provide military personnel confidence in the operation and accuracy of the unit with respect to the legacy DCP device. A series of nine full-scale test sections were constructed at the US Army Engineer Research and Development Center’s indoor pavement testing facility. The test results indicate that the SQUAAD requires further testing and evaluation before it can replace the DCP.

31 Jan 2024

Verification of Current Los Angeles (LA) Abrasion Test Criterion for Aggregate Degradation in Airfield Asphalt Pavements

Abstract: Low-quality mineral aggregates can potentially lead to production, construction, and long-term performance-related problems in asphalt concrete pavements. Therefore, effective qualification criteria for mineral aggregates are paramount. This study was performed to investigate the effectiveness of the Los Angeles abrasion (LAA) test to assess the abrasion resistance of coarse aggregates commonly used in airfield asphalt paving. The LAA test acceptance criteria currently specified by state departments of transportation were examined and compared to the current Department of Defense criterion. Additionally, recent experiences during a forensic evaluation to identify potential sources of excessive presence of foreign object debris on an airfield runway are also briefly discussed in this report. The LAA test and associated acceptance criterion in Unified Facilities Guide Specification (UFGS) 32 12 15.13 were evaluated by testing 24 aggregate sources from various US locations. Also, the Micro-Deval abrasion test was performed as a surrogate abrasion resistance test. Sufficient evidence was not found to suggest adjustments to current LAA test criterion or to recommend the use of an alternative abrasion test. The current UFGS specifications should be improved to provide a more thorough aggregate testing protocol and detailed guidelines regarding aggregate sampling and testing frequency during design and construction of asphalt pavements.

10 Jun 2020

PUBLICATION NOTICE: Investigation of Materials for Charleroi Lock and Dam Monongahela River Reconstruction Project

Abstract: The investigation described in this report was conducted for the U.S. Army Engineer District, Pittsburgh as part of a preliminary investigation of cementitious materials and concrete design pursuant to construction of Charleroi Lock and Dam Monongahela River Reconstruction Project. Local materials provided to the U.S. Army Engineer Research Development Center (ERDC) for testing included three different coarse aggregate gradations, two fine aggregate sources, a type II (MH) cement, four fly ash sources, a slag cement, a silica fume, a limestone powder, five admixtures, and two water sources. Aggregate tests consisted of sieve analysis, specific gravity, absorption, materials finer than No. 200, organic impurities, soundness, LA abrasion, clay lumps and friable particles, flat and elongated particles, lightweight particles, and petrography. All cementitious, admixtures, and water-source materials were tested for chemical and physical properties based on appropriate specifications. In addition, four mixture proportions developed by the ERDC for this project in 2005 were scaled to determine the early stiffening of mortar, freezing and thawing, and heat of hydration. This report presents the material characteristic results determined by laboratory testing in accordance with American Society for Testing and Materials procedures or regulating specification criteria.