Aggregate Suitability of the Late Permian Wargal Limestone at Kafar Kot Chashma Area, Khisor Range, Pakistan

Abstract

This study was carried out for the investigation of the Late Permian Wargal limestone at Kafar Kot Chashma
area, Khisor Range to determine its suitability as an aggregate that is used in road construction and civil structures with
the help of geological engineering testing. The results of geological engineering testing of Wargal limestone samples
show the tolerable values of all standard engineering parameters including the Loss Angles Abrasion value (23.37%),
Aggregate impact (16.8%), Crushing value 13.1%, Unit weight 1.67, Soundness (1.007%), Specific gravity (2.70),
Water Absorption (0.48%), Flakiness Index (6.5%), Elongation value (7.1%), Coating of bitumen (> 95%), stripping of
bitumen (<5%), California Bearing Ratio (CBR) value (93.6%), Maximum Dry Density 2.307g/c and Optimum
Moisture Content (5.79%). As per different International and National Standards like AASHTO, ASTM, BS and NHA,
the mentioned results of various engineering tests were within the tolerable limits. The petrography of the selected
samples of the Late Permian Wargal limestone revealed very minor value of quartz (0.5%), hematite/limonite (0.6%)
and clay content 1.0% showing the insignificant threat of ASR. The values of dolomite are limited to (1%) which
shows that there is no ACR reaction with ordinary Portland cement. The results of geological and engineering
parameters of the study area strongly suggest its suitability as a potential aggregate (i.e. for the base course, subbase
course, cement concrete and asphalt) in the road construction.

Keywords: Aggregate, Wargal Limestone, Khisor range.