Mineralogical and Elemental Characterization of Conventional Asphalt of Peruvian Roadways by X-Ray Diffraction and Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence

Abstract

This research deals with the characterization of a sample of conventional asphalt, which is used for the manufacture of roadways in the city of Trujillo, Peru. The sample has been designed by using the Marshall method, through which the optimal content of the asphalt mixture was determined for an adequate combination of the aggregates. This method includes the determination of the optimum content of asphalt cement, stability, unit weight, air voids, flow, voids in the mineral aggregate, and flow stability. The Marshall test was carried out after dosing for the traditional mixture. We have used two techniques: energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence and X-ray diffractometry. The identification and quantification of the chemical elements present was carried out by using energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence, and the mineralogical analysis, by using X-ray diffractometry. This work is useful as a source of reference information. Subsequently, it will allow the implementation of procedures for modifying asphalt mixtures to optimize their performance.