Quantification of aggregate grain shape characteristics using 3-D laser scanning technology

Abstract

Aggregate shape and surface characteristics influence the performance of both bound and unbound pavement materials. This paper presents some results of an on-going study on the characterization of aggregates using a three-dimensional (3-D) laser scanner technology. A sample of coarse aggregate andesite particles passing 19.0 mm and retained on 13.2 mm sieve was used for the study. The 3-D images from the laser scanning device were fully utilized in quantifying the shape descriptors in order to identify the differences between individual aggregates. It was possible to quantify differences in particle shape characteristics at the small particle scale. The study has demonstrated the advantages of the innovative 3-D laser scanning technology to quantify the shape characteristics of aggregate particles.