A study on the physical and mechanical properties of a granite outcrop for a quarry at Onikoko community, Oyo State, South-Western Nigeria

Luqman Kareem Salati,Jacob Titilope Adeyemo

doi:10.33271/mining15.01.027

Abstract

Purpose. To investigate the physical and mechanical properties of a granite outcrop for a quarry at Onikoko community in Oyo State, South-Western Nigeria. Methods. Samples of granite rock were collected from the outcrop for the laboratory determination of their physical and mechanical properties required for determining its suitability for construction and engineering purposes, and the desired properties were determined. Findings. Results from the tests conducted on the granite samples indicated the various values of physical and mechanical properties of the outcrop in the study area. The results obtained are found to be within the acceptable international standards. Hence, the granite outcrop is found to be suitable for establishing a quarry in the study area based on the results obtained. Originality.The results in this study have affirmed the fact that granite rocks must possess adequate physical and mechanical characteristics to make them suitable for construction and engineering purposes. The physico-mechanical properties of the granite outcrop evaluated in this study having their values within the international standards attest to high strength cha-racterization of the granite rock. The life span of the proposed quarry is established to be forty years, which is also an indication of rich mineralization of the area. Practical implications. Results of this study can be a useful source of information to potential investors and policy makers for the establishment of a quarry in the study area. Hence, government’s attention can be drawn to the needs of the host community for the provision of basic infrastructures. Keywords: granite outcrop, physical and mechanical properties, quarrying operation

Highlights

The quarrying of aggregate stones such as granite has become a key stand for infrastructure projects including construction of roads and houses, bridges, paving monuments, amongst other uses
Results of investigations carried out on the granite samples collected in the study area indicate that the granite rock’s specific gravity is 2.7
The strength characterization of granite outcrop has shown that its uniaxial compressive strength, point load strength index and other physico-mechanical properties evaluated in this study have values which fall within the American Standard for Measuring Materials (ASTM, D 2487) and International Society for Rock Mechanics (ISRM, 1985) standards

Summary

Introduction

The quarrying of aggregate stones such as granite has become a key stand for infrastructure projects including construction of roads and houses, bridges, paving monuments, amongst other uses. The use of granite has sparked increasing demands for granite aggregates in areas of infrastructural development such as road construction and structure building. Recent building decoration demands have partly increased granite consumption in many capital cities around the world [1]. The construction aggregate industry is an essential part of most developed economies [2]. Granite aggregate possesses a variety of physical and chemical properties that determine its suitability as a material for construction [4]. Assessment of granitic outcrops for possible quarrying may, require investigation of joint and fracture characteristics for assessment of block size

Methods

Results

Conclusion