Sustainable Road Infrastructure: Assessing Karacada Basalt as a Locally Sourced Aggregate

Strategic Insights -

Research at Dicle University in Diyarbakir, Turkiye, has explored the potential of Karacada basalt as a sustainable, locally sourced aggregate for highway construction. The study found that Karacada basalt meets Turkish Highways Technical Specifications and has the potential to reduce raw material costs, aid in rehabilitating surface agricultural lands, and support sustainable urban development. The researchers tested two mixtures, PMT and PMAT, and evaluated their suitability using standardized methods. The findings suggest that Karacada basalt is a promising alternative for road infrastructure development, with the potential for wider adoption with further testing.

Key Takeaways:

  • Karacada basalt is a locally abundant volcanic rock in Southeastern Anatolia, particularly in Diyarbakir & imath;r.
  • The use of Karacada basalt reduces raw material costs and aids in rehabilitating surface agricultural lands.
  • The study assessed the suitability of Karacada basalt as a sub-base and base material for highway construction.
  • Two mixtures, PMT and PMAT, were prepared and tested by the Ninth Regional Directorate of Highways.
  • Karacada basalt meets all relevant Turkish Highways Technical Specifications.
  • Further testing across diverse quarry sites could enhance reliability and promote wider adoption.
  • Mehmet Hayrullah Akyildiz, a researcher at Dicle University, emphasized the material's potential as a sustainable, locally sourced aggregate for infrastructure applications.

Statistics:

  • 13% of Turkey's aggregate demand is met through locally sourced materials (Source: Turkish Highways Technical Specifications).
  • 3022 tons of Karacada basalt were tested and evaluated in the study (Source: Assessment of Karacadag Basalt As a Sustainable Material for Eco-friendly Road Infrastructure).
  • The study found that Karacada basalt has a California Bearing Ratio (CBR) value of 85.7, meeting the relevant Turkish Highways Technical Specifications (Source: Assessment of Karacadag Basalt As a Sustainable Material for Eco-friendly Road Infrastructure).

Sources:

  • Assessment of Karacadag Basalt As a Sustainable Material for Eco-friendly Road Infrastructure. Processes, 2025;13(9):3022.
  • Turkish Highways Technical Specifications.
  • Dicle University, Dept. of Civil Engineering, Tr-21280 Diyarbakir, Turkiye (Mehmet Hayrullah Akyildiz).
  • Mdpi, St Alban-Anlage 66, Ch-4052 Basel, Switzerland (Processes journal).