Investigation of the usability of travertine wastes in Alaşehir (Manisa) region on road base and subbase layers

Travertine, which is among the natural stones, is used as coating and flooring material in the construction sector. Travertine must be extracted and processed from nature in order to be used in the structure. From 50% to 75% of the travertine extracted in the quarries is used as waste material. In this thesis, physical and mechanical properties of travertine wastes in Alaşehir (Manisa) region were determined and their usability as sub-base and base material was investigated. In order to reduce cost and environmental harmful effects, a comparison was made according to crushed stone material. Within the scope of the research, experiments related to the sub-basic and basic material properties in the TSH (Technical Specifications of Highways) 2013 were applied to the travertine wastes. These experiments; sieve analysis, weather resistance test with MgSO4, Los Angeles abrasion test, flatness index test, water absorption test in coarse and fine aggregate, liquid limit and plastic limit test, organic material test with NaOH, methylene blue test, clay pellet and dispersible grain ratio test, proctor and CBR experiments. In addition, the unit kilometer transportation cost of travertine waste material was calculated and the effective usable distance was calculated in terms of cost compared to crushed stone material. The damage of travertine wastes to the nature has also been revealed. After all; it is seen that travertine wastes can be used as sub-base and base material by meeting TSH 2013 standards. In addition, it is considered that unless a price is paid for the wastes, it is cost effective up to a certain distance and that the use of wastes in the road superstructure will reduce the harmful effects of the quarries to the environment to some extent and thus contribute to the national economy and natural balance.