Geotechnical evaluation of the Sadus Area limestone

Abstract EN

An intensive investigation was carried out to assess some of the geotechnical properties and quality of the dimensional calcarenite limes¬tone obtained from the quarries around Sadus area under controlled field and laboratory conditions.

Core samples (oven-dry and wet) were prepared and subjected to several tests and analyses.

The tensile strength of the limestone was determined using the Brazilian and point load tests.

The un¬confined compressive strength was measured using uniaxial compression test.

In addition, dynamic properties were calculated using ultrasonic wave velocities.

Furthermore.

X-ray diffraction test and chemical-and petrologi¬cal analyses were performed to define the soluble and insoluble constituents and the percentage of porosity.

Sadus area limestone has low to medium porosity, moderate compressive and tensile strength, in addition to a wide fracture spacing and an excellent rock mass quality based on RQD with slight weathering effects.

Con¬sequently it is a good quality dimension stone and hence the net recovery may reach 90% of the actual quarry production.

Results of the investigation have shown that the limestone is homogeneous and isotropic with high-cal- cium content and can be used for cement manufacturing.

A comparison between the engineering properties of the oven-dry sam¬ples with those of saturated sample has been made in order to evaluate the influence of water during cutting operations.

A temporary reduction in the properties was obtained by wetting but it was completely recovered by dry¬ing.