Features of the Physical-Mechanical Properties and Chemical Composition of Chert Gravels

The chert gravels are a by-product of sand mining in the south Israel; reserves amount to tens millions tons and continue grow. attempts their comminution for production aggregates by conventional mechanical methods have not yet been successful due high abrasiveness, as well flaky form fracturing. This study was motivated need find an alternative method rock that would ensure aggregate line with requirements asphalt concrete industry. article deals first inevitable stage on way this goal, which consists extensive laboratory physical properties gravels, features chemical composition. results show rock, consisting quartz micro grains, contains calcium, sulfur, phosphorus, barium impurities. is characterized extremely low porosity water absorption (less than 1%) values tensile strength (10.8 ± 3.3) electrical resistivity (23.0 11.9 kΩm). cubic uniaxial compression relatively (37.3 10.4 MPa), contradicts assessment made based Schmidt hammer Point Load studies (158 30.4 MPa 321 118.5 MPa, respectively).