Basalt is used as an aggregate for road construction due to several key properties:
Durability: Basalt is a hard and dense volcanic rock that can withstand high levels of wear and tear, making it ideal for heavy traffic and load-bearing surfaces.
Strength: It offers a high compressive strength, which means it can support heavy weights without crumbling, ensuring a long-lasting and stable road surface.
Abrasion Resistance: Basalt is resistant to abrasion and weathering, which means it maintains its integrity and surface characteristics over time, even under harsh environmental conditions.
Adhesion: The rough texture of basalt provides better bonding with binding materials like asphalt or concrete, enhancing the overall structural integrity of the road.
Thermal Stability: Basalt has good thermal stability, which helps in maintaining the road surface's performance under various temperature changes, reducing the risks of cracking and deformation.
Cost-Effectiveness: Due to its abundance in nature and ease of extraction, basalt is often a more cost-effective option compared to other types of aggregates.
These properties make basalt an excellent choice for constructing durable and long-lasting roads.
