What factor is essential to consider when selecting aggregates for cold weather applications?

When selecting aggregates for cold weather applications, frost susceptibility is a critical factor to consider. In colder climates, aggregates that can absorb water and subsequently freeze pose significant risks to the stability and durability of the pavement or structure. When water in the pores of the aggregates freezes, it expands, which can lead to cracking, heaving, and other types of damage to the material and the overlying structures.

Choosing aggregates with low frost susceptibility minimizes the potential for these issues, ensuring better performance in cold weather conditions. This consideration directly impacts the longevity and maintenance of the pavement or structure, making it essential for engineers and technicians to prioritize frost susceptibility in their selection process.

While cost-effectiveness, color, and transportation options can influence aggregate selection, they do not have the same direct impact on the structural integrity and performance of the material in cold weather environments as frost susceptibility does.