Assessment of Geotechnical Properties of Laki Limestone for Coarse Aggregate, Nooriabad, Jamshoro Sindh, Pakistan

Present study is aimed at assessment of geotechnical properties of Laki limestone as coarse aggregate which is being quarried in Nooriabad area, Sindh, Pakistan. Coarse aggregate samples (n=20) of limestone were collected for the evaluation of physico-mechanical properties of the aggregate. Petrographic analysis revealed that the aggregate comprises of hard, compact, massive, crystalline and fossiliferous limestone. It is devoid of any reactive silica (chert, chalcedony) and other harmful constituents like clays or organic matter. Average values of specific gravity, absorption,bulk density, void content and combined index (EI + FI) of collected samples are 2.5, 2.1%, 1.54 g/cc, 38.55% and 13.04% respectively. The values of specific gravity (2.3-2.9), absorption (0-8%), bulk density (1.28 g/cc-1.92 g/cc) and void content (30%-45%) are varying within the range of normal weight aggregate as per American concrete institute (ACI)specifications. On the other hand, absorption values of aggregate samples are slightly higher (2.1%) than the reference range (2%) but meet other requirements. Mechanical properties including aggregate impact value (8.58%), aggregate crushing value (26.66%), Loss Angeles abrasion value (24.77%), sodium sulfate soundness (4.72%), water soluble sulfate (0.006%) and water soluble chloride (0.005%) are found to be within corresponding guidelines set by ASTM. On the other hand, average carbonate content is found to be 89.64% indicating that Laki limestone is of slightly low purity. Except absorption, all physical and mechanical properties lie within specified ranges. It is concluded that Laki limestone is suitable for use as road aggregate and concrete mix design