Geomaterials characterisation and testing : evaluation report

This report is the final result of the project which aim was to show the importance of a materials science approach for the investigation of aggregates. An outline is given of the methods of performing a laboratoryinvestigation of geomaterials. The results of tests and petrographic examination performed by the Laboratory of Engineering Geology are also reported and a comparison of petrographic descriptors has been drawn to establish relationships. It is concluded that although petrographic parameters often do not give direct indication of expected engineering behaviour or durability, in combination with techniques such as the methylene blue test (MB), and the results of well-chosen aggregate tests, a much better understanding of the expected engineering behaviour can be obtained.