Natural Aggregates at Makkah Governate, Western Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Natural coarse and fine aggregates which accumulated along six selected wadis in the region of Makkah were assessed both qualitatively and quantitatively. The six wadis were Numan, Al-Yamanyah, Al-Shamyah, Hwarah, Alaf and Faydah. More than 440 aggregate samples were collected and their physical, mechanical and chemical properties determined. Petrographic studies on the gravel samples were undertaken to characterise the aggregate types. The results were compared with ASTM and British Standard specifications. The aggregates were generally within the acceptable limits for use in concrete although there were the relatively high values of chloride, sulphate and total dissolved salts in the fine aggregates in Wadis Alaf, Hwarah and Faydah. Nine fine aggregate samples representing upstream, midstream and downstream deposits from these saline wadis were washed in distilled waters after which the aggregates were within the acceptable limits for structural concrete. There were indications of material which could cause alkali-silica in the coarse aggregate at Wadi Faydah. The study proved reserves of 12.5 million m3 of coarse aggregate and 23 million m3 of fine aggregate.