Abstract:
The engineering parameters of rocks depend more or less on their mineralogy and texture. In the present study the engineering parameters of Sargodha-Chiniot (Kirana Hills), Margalla Pass and Sakhi Sarwar aggregates were compared to prepare guidelines for construction experts and researchers. The Sargodha-Chiniot rocks collectively known as Kirana Hills are the extension of Dehli-Shahpur ridge. They are composed of metasediments and igneous rocks. The specific gravity of Kirana aggregates varies from 2.64 to 2.95, bulk density ranges from 166.10 pcf to 184.8 pcf water absorption varies from 0.11 % to 0.93%, aggregate impact value varies from 10% to 20%, L.A Abrasion value ranges from 15% to 30% and sulphate soundness from 2.2% to 7.9%. Graywacke/sub graywacke, quartz wackes, rhyolite, dacite and volcanogenic phyllites, which are abundant in the area have the potential to trigger Alkali Silica Reaction (ASR) when used with Ordinary Portland Cement. The Margalla Pass aggregate is a well-established source for Punjab, NWFP and parts of Azad Kashmir. Its specific gravity ranges from 2.60 to 2.67, bulk density from 162.24 pcf to 166.6 pcf and water absorption from 0.8% to 1.1%. Its aggregate impact value is 13% to 14.12%, Los Angeles Abrasion Value is 18.7% to 35% and sulphate soundness value is 0.7% to 1.31%. All these values, as well as petrographic evaluation place the Margalla crush among the safest aggregate of Pakistan. The coarse aggregate from Sakhi Sarwar quarries (Suleman Range) was evaluated for its engineering characteristics and ASR Potential. Its specific gravity (2.64-2.66), bulk density (164.74 pcf to 166.42 pcf), water absorption (0.90% to 1.2%), aggregate impact value (15.3% to 23.3%), L.A. Abrasion value (23% to 35%) and sulphate soundness (0.7% to 1.31%) is generally well within the limits specified by various standards. Petrographically the aggregates from Sangar Nullah, Vihowa Nullah and Chaudhwan Quarry are safe with respect to ASR, but the aggregate derived from Sakhi Sarwar Nullah and Sakhi Sarwar-Quetta Road contain gray quartz wackes, which are potentially deleterious with respect to ASR.
Page(s):
1-19
DOI:
DOI not available
Published:
Journal: Proceedings of the workshop on Geological Materials and Aggregates of Pakistan, Volume: 0, Issue: 0, Year: 2007