Investigation of Physico-Mechanical Properties of Kohat Limestone at Sur-Dag and adjoining Areas, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
Keywords:
Kohat Limestone, Aggregate, physio-mechanical properties, Engineering propertiesAbstract
This research study was conducted to assess the suitability of the Kohat Limestone from the Sur-Dag section as a construction aggregate for civil engineering purposes, utilizing geological laboratory testing. Limestone aggregates are essential components in both small and large-scale civil works projects, including pavements, buildings, bridges, roads, and dams. In addition to being produced from synthetic materials like slags, aggregates are derived from natural materials, including rock, sand, and gravel. The use of these aggregates in any project depends on their engineering properties. These engineering properties should meet the specified standard designated by different organizations like the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), the American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM), and the British Standards (BS). Laboratory tests were conducted in accordance with these standards to evaluate various parameters of the Eocene Kohat Formation, including specific gravity, water absorption, Aggregate Crushing Value (ACV), Flakiness Index (FI), Elongation Index (EI), Los Angeles Abrasion value (LAAV), Aggregate Impact Value (AIV), as well as coating and stripping values. The Formation is well developed and exposed in the Southern Kohat Basin. At the outcrop level, the color is cream to gray, well-bedded, compact, hard, and rich in fossils. The values of all engineering properties of the samples fall within the acceptable standard ranges. Therefore, this research provides reliable data regarding the suitability and availability of the Kohat Limestone as a construction aggregate in this region. This study concludes that the Kohat Formation is suitable to be used as a sub-base, base course, and concrete aggregates for the construction of buildings and pavements.
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