The effect of mineralogy, texture and mechanical properties of anti-skid and asphalt aggregates on urban dust

In northern latitudes mineral dust is formed when cars use studded tyres and roads are sanded to obtain more traction on the icy surfaces. Anti-skid and asphalt aggregates with different textural, mineralogical and mechanical properties were tested with an indoor road simulator fitted with studded and friction tyres. The particle size distribution and proportions of dust from pavement and anti-skid aggregate were analyzed using SEM-EDX. The wear on the road pavement depends on the properties of the anti-skid and asphalt aggregate (particle size distribution, mechanical/physical and textural properties). Anti-skid aggregates, which contain mainly hard minerals (e.g. feldspars and quartz) and which have a low resistance to fragmentation, should be used with caution as they may break more easily into smaller particles and are likely to wear the pavement. By using high-quality anti-skid aggregates it is possible to reduce the amount of urban dust.