The influence of granite microstructure on the properties of pavement material

Granite aggregate can be used in the construction of asphalt pavement. Through the experimental study, the relationship of granite microstructure and its abilities of strength, water absorption and adhesion are given in this paper. The factors that affect the compressive strength of granite rocks include rock structure, mineral composition, weathered degree of the rock, cracks and phenocryst. The adhesion of different granite aggregate is discrepant. The factors that affect the adhesion of granite aggregate include rock structure, mineral composition, surface characteristics of the rock, pore and phenocryst. Contact angle has good correlation with the adhesion test conclusion, contact angle can be quantified to reflect the differences in adhesion of different granite. The pore size of aggregate porosity has effect on the water absorption of aggregates, the smaller the aperture is, the more easily aggregate absorbs water. Pore diameter will also affect the aggregate´s absorption of asphalt, thus affecting the optimum asphalt content of the asphalt mixture.