The best of shape: 3-D scanning in South Africa gives aggregate a closer look

Abstract

The author of this article is conducting research in South Africa which addresses the difficulties in pavement design in developing methods and procedures for accurate quantification of aggregate shape and surface properties, which are well known to influence the performance of asphalt and concrete pavements. This research involves a three-dimensional laser-based application (a modern 3-D scanning device), which preliminary investigations indicate better quantifies the actual surface area of "all aggregates" that have potential use in pavement design and construction.