Investigation of the usability of Kop Mountain (Bayburt) chromemine rust material as highway pavement base layer

In this study, the potential use of waste material, which lacks economic value and is generated alongside ore during the ore production activities at the Kop Mountain (Bayburt) Chromite Mine site, as a base material in road pavements was investigated. Samples were prepared by blending chromite waste rock with natural aggregate in varying proportions: 100% natural aggregate, 15% waste + 85% natural aggregate, 30% waste + 70% natural aggregate, 45% waste + 55% natural aggregate, 60% waste + 40% natural aggregate, and 100% waste. A series of tests, including sieve analysis, modified proctor, and California Bearing Ratio (CBR) tests, were conducted to determine the aggregate properties and the physical and mechanical characteristics of these materials. The data obtained from these tests allowed for the determination of the highest CBR strength ratio. Additionally, polished sections of the chromite waste samples were prepared for microscopic examination to identify the petrographic and mineralogical properties of the waste rock material. The findings were then compared against the criteria specified in the Highway Technical Specifications to assess the suitability of the base and subbase layers in road pavements and to evaluate the feasibility of using the waste material through a recycling method. As a result, it has been determined that chrome waste, within the scope of its physical and mechanical properties, can be used in the base layers of road superstructures instead of natural aggregate, and can create significant economic gains.