Estimation of aggregate gradation from partial gradation information obtained by multiple imaging equipment: Fid-Bau Portal

Estimation of aggregate gradation from partial gradation information obtained by multiple imaging equipment

Kuity, Ambika / Das, Animesh

The aggregate gradation is an important consideration in bound or unbound mixes, as it influences the engineering properties of the mixes (both during and after construction). In recent times, effort is being made to employ imaging methods to predict the gradation of aggregates in the mix. This approach involves acquisition of two- (or three-) dimensional image of the aggregates distributed within the mix and subsequent image analysis. The size of the aggregates for a given mix typically varies by several orders of magnitude, and thus, it may not be possible to capture the entire size-range of the aggregates using a single imaging equipment. Different imaging equipment may be effective for different size ranges, and hence would individually provide partial information on the size distribution. In the present study, a simple formulation is developed (for two-dimensional images) that can be utilised to collate the partial information (obtained by various imaging equipment) to generate the overall aggregate size distribution of a given mix. To illustrate the formulation developed, two-dimensional images of asphalt mix acquired by scanner, camera and scanning electron microscope are utilised so as to predict the overall aggregate gradation originally used in the asphalt mix.