Durmeková T., Grega D. & Tornyai R., 2019: A high potential of the micro-Deval test in rock quality assessment. Acta Geologica Slovaca, 11, 1, 1–9.

A high potential of the micro-Deval test in rock quality assessment

Tatiana Durmeková, Daniel Grega & Rudolf Tornyai

Comenius University in Bratislava, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Department of Engineering Geology, Ilkovičova 6, 842 15 Bratislava, Slovakia; tatiana.durmekova@uniba.sk

Abstract

The micro-Deval test which determines the micro-Deval coefficient is preferentially aimed at quality control assessment of aggregates being used in road construction. In first part of the study, the existing accessible database of rocks properties from 146 sites of Slovakia was used and the micro-Deval coefficient was analyzed in connection to other rock properties. Among others findings, the analysis indicated that the rock strength represented by the Uniaxial Compressive Strength is not conclusive for the micro-Deval coefficient values. In experimental part of the study, three types of rocks have been examined. In aim to evaluate rock quality for the use in aggregate production the micro-Deval test and other selected tests as magnesium sulphate test and freeze-thaw test have been realised. Additional quick tests as Point load test and Slake durability test, routinely used in the rock testing, as well as modifications of the micro-Deval test in dry version have been also performed. It was confirmed that the micro-Deval test provides a high predicative values, gives conformable results in comparison with other tests for aggregates and so it can serve as a good and reliable tool on the rock quality determination. Very good relationship was shown between the results of Slake durability test and micro-Deval test. The realization of micro-Deval test performed on aggregates, which have previously passed an accelerated weathering tests, point out to broader possibilities of the use of micro-Deval tests, mainly their utilization for the monitoring of changes in aggregates quality after some other tests.

Key words: micro-Deval test, resistance to wear, aggregates quality control testing, UCS, Point load test, Slake durability test, aggregate tests feasibility analysis

Manuscript received: 2019-01-01

Revised version accepted: 2019-05-30