Quality evaluation and loss estimation at gravel quarries around the Qena Governorate, Egypt: A case study

Abstract

Purpose. In recent years in Egypt there has been a significant increase in the demand for building materials, particularly gravel which is employed in buildings, the base layer for road construction, and other industries. The quality of gravel that is deemed suitable for different purposes depends on the physical, chemical, and mechanical properties of the gravel; these aspects are determined according to the Egyptian Code, depending on the required application. Methods. Representative samples were collected from two working sides of the quarries, then they were processed in a laboratory to characterize the samples depending on the location and evaluate their properties with respect to the corresponding concrete and road codes. Findings. The findings indicate that the gravel tests were simple to conduct and that the gravel from these locations were suitable for constructed roads and to be used in mixture of asphalt and cement. Originality. The samples were collected from five quarries around the Qena Governorate, Egypt; each of these locations occupied areas ranging from approximately 100×100 or 200×100 m2. Practical implications. The loss of gravel at the studied quarries was found to be 32.88-44.06%. Abo-Teshet 1 exhibited the highest loss of gravel deposits with thicknesses ranging from 0.5 to 1.50 m, which was attributed to the fill layers.

A Case Study of Loss Quantification and Quality Assessment in Gravel Sites in Egypt's Assiut Province

“…Furthermore, field investigations such as borehole logging and in-situ testing should be conducted to gain a better understanding of the subsurface conditions at the quarry sites. This information can then be used to develop an appropriate design for any engineering project that utilizes materials from these quarries [9].…”