Development of a research rotary kiln and a study of the effects of degree of thermal transformation on selected properties of synthetic aggregates

Abstract

Because of the increasing need for high quality aggregates of construction, a renewed emphasis has been placed upon the use of synthetic aggregates, which are thermally processed clays, shales and slates. As with most engineering materials, the proper use of synthetic aggregates must be based upon a thorough understanding of the properties of the raw material and burned product, as well as the manufacturing process by which the aggregates are produced. The purposes of this study, therefore, were: 1. to present a summary discussion of the development and operating characteristics of a research rotary kiln and its relationship to commercial sized rotary kilns; 2. to develop experimental methods for determining a measure of the degree of thermal transformation of rotary kiln produced aggregates; 3. to determine the effect of the degree of thermal transformation on selected structural use properties of synthetic aggregates; and 4. to propose a testing program for providing acceptability criteria for synthetic aggregates. ...