Influence of Petrogenesis on the Engineering Properties of Ultramafic Aggregates and on Their Suitability in Concrete

Abstract

This study focuses on the use of petrology as a useful tool in construction applications (i.e., concrete). More specifically, this study investigates how the petrogenetic characteristics of ultramafic rocks derived from ophiolite complexes (Veria–Naousa, Gerania) can act as a key tool for the prediction of the final behaviour of ultramafic aggregates as concrete aggregates. For this reason, their petrographic, chemical and mineralogical characteristics were examined and correlated with their engineering properties for evaluating their suitability as concrete aggregates. This study had come up, for the first time, that the genesis environment of the ultramafic rocks is the determinant factor for their physico-mechanical characteristics. Their suitability is relevant to the impact of their mineralogical and structural characteristics both from the two different ophiolite complexes (Veria–Naousa and Gerania). Except serpentinization, the basic alteration process-index of ultramafic rocks, there are also other chemical indices which can be used for ultramafic rocks that may determine their properties. In this context the term ‘fertility rate’ (FR) was introduced which may characterize ultramafic rocks as fertile or not. Furthermore, the Ultramafic Rock Health Index (U.R.H.I.) as well as the Normalized U.R.H.I. (U.R.H.I.N) was also introduced and correlated with the engineering properties of the investigated aggregate rocks. The last index aims to assess and quantify the overall health conditions, encompassing the two major modifying factors that include removal of primary mineral phases, as well as the extent of serpentinization. The main conclusion of this paper is that the genesis environment of the ultramafic rocks is the critical factor that determines their mineralogical, petrographic and chemical characteristics which consequently determines the basic engineering properties of rocks that determine their suitability or not as concrete aggregates.

Exploring the potential of late permian aggregate resources for utilization in engineering structures through geotechnical, geochemical and petrographic analyses

“…Nonetheless, It is the mineral composition of a rock that determines whether it is suitable or not for use as a construction material 1 . The impact of physicomechanical qualities on aggregate quality is of paramount significance, other than the concrete-related features, including alkali-aggregate reaction (AAR), durability, and strength must also be taken into consideration 11 . The strength, performance, and durability of concrete may be compromised if adequate measures are not taken to prevent AAR 12 .…”

“…The CPEC includes several projects of both short and long terms, such as building roads, railroads, and fiber optics, however, with the sharp rise in demand for construction materials brought on by the nation's rapid population expansion and development of small and mega-projects, current aggregate resources are running short. Therefore, many exploratory research studies for prospects, such as aggregate for the development of construction resources are required to satisfy the future demands of the construction activities significantly 11 . Researchers in Pakistan have conducted several studies on aggregate and limestone to study their mechanical properties, make engineering assessments and aggregate assessments, and proposed their use in construction.…”

Petrographic and Geotechnical Features of Dir Volcanics as Dimension Stone, Upper Dir, North Pakistan

“…These properties are determined by the composition, texture, weathering grade, and tectonically produced rock fabric [4][5][6][7][8]. The petrographic characteristics of a rock specimen must be precisely investigated to determine its overall performance for usage as a building stone in a specific environmental condition of a region [9][10][11][12][13]. Petrography not only determines the origin of rocks, but also their resistance to weathering, durability, and strength [14].…”