Appraisal of Suitability of the “Mista Ali Granite of Jos Plateau StateNigeria” as an Aggregate for Construction Material using Selected Testing Parameters

Abstract

The appraisal of the suitability of some selected granite deposits for aggregate stone production within the basement complex of Mista Ali of Jos Plateau state for road construction was carried out. Aggregate samples obtained from the deposits were analyzed in the laboratory to determine their mechanical properties by a series of composite testing parameters using aggregate abrasion value (AAV), aggregate impact value (AIV), aggregate crushing value (ACV), specific gravity (SG) and water absorption (WA) as contained in BS812, and AASHTOT96-92. It was found out that the granite deposits possess certain desirable aesthetic and visual characteristics. Also, the percentage mineralogical compositions of the studied samples were examined. The results had shown that Jolex Construction (JC) Quarry site has a good percentage composition of orthoclase and plagioclase content which reduces the rate of wearing and tearing. The results of the laboratory analyses on the aggregate sample indicated that the technical features measured such as the strength, density, and water absorption capacity of the “Mista Ali granite deposits” at the Jolex construction Quarry site are suitable for aggregate stone for road construction when compared with the globally accepted standard. The result of the appraisal will be useful and serve as database to prospective investors in aggregate stone quarrying.