Petrographic, physical, and mechanical assessment investigation of NikanaiGhar limestone aggregate exposed in the Lower Dir area of Malakand Division, Pakistan, were conducted to evaluate and investigate its potential...Petrographic, physical, and mechanical assessment investigation of NikanaiGhar limestone aggregate exposed in the Lower Dir area of Malakand Division, Pakistan, were conducted to evaluate and investigate its potential for use as a construction material for engineering projects. Different geotechnical tests and petrographic analyses were performed to evaluate its potential for construction purposes. Geotechnical tests include unconfined compressive strength, ultimate tensile strength test, specific gravity, share strength, porosity, and water absorption. The evaluated physical attributes were compared to standard specifications to determine their suitability as a construction material. Petrographic investigation indicates mainly two types of stones. Stylolitic spar stone and Spar stone are metamorphosed equivalent limestones and are not prone to alkali-silica reactivity. Mutual relationships between physical parameters have been described by simple regression analysis. Significant direct correlation of specific gravity with ultimate tensile strength and uniaxial compressive strength was noted. However, negative trends of Porosity with ultimate tensile strength and uniaxial compressive strength were observed which is in accordance with standard. The analysis revealed that the limestones of NikanaiGhar Formation fall within the standard specification limits and can be used as aggregates for the indigenous construction industry.展开更多
In this study, geophysical and geotechnical studies were carried out in NE Turkey to evaluate the stability and support design of cut slopes that will be excavated during the construction of a new border control compl...In this study, geophysical and geotechnical studies were carried out in NE Turkey to evaluate the stability and support design of cut slopes that will be excavated during the construction of a new border control complex. 13 vertical and 3 inclined boreholes were drilled, and 2D electrical resistivity tomography surveys were conducted along 8 profiles to investigate the horizontal and vertical continuity of the geological units. Strength characteristics of all units were determined by laboratory tests. Limit equilibrium(LE) slope stability analyses were conducted on the geological model for static and pseudo-static conditions and factor of safety values as low as 0.227 were determined for post-excavation. Back analysis was conducted for the determination of required support forces on the slopes to achieve a factor of safety of 1.3. A feasible support system consisting of bored piles and rock anchors was designed based on back analysis results for each cut slope. LE analyses were repeated after the implementation of the designed support systems and the lowest factor of safety value increased to 1.35. The utility and safety of the designed support systems were investigated using finite element slope stability analyses and strength reduction factor values higher than 1.3 were determined which means support systems will function as intended and no support failure will occur. Lastly, quick reference charts were created for alluvium and residual soil materials to easily determine the safe slope angle in the future in case no support measures will be applied.展开更多
文摘Petrographic, physical, and mechanical assessment investigation of NikanaiGhar limestone aggregate exposed in the Lower Dir area of Malakand Division, Pakistan, were conducted to evaluate and investigate its potential for use as a construction material for engineering projects. Different geotechnical tests and petrographic analyses were performed to evaluate its potential for construction purposes. Geotechnical tests include unconfined compressive strength, ultimate tensile strength test, specific gravity, share strength, porosity, and water absorption. The evaluated physical attributes were compared to standard specifications to determine their suitability as a construction material. Petrographic investigation indicates mainly two types of stones. Stylolitic spar stone and Spar stone are metamorphosed equivalent limestones and are not prone to alkali-silica reactivity. Mutual relationships between physical parameters have been described by simple regression analysis. Significant direct correlation of specific gravity with ultimate tensile strength and uniaxial compressive strength was noted. However, negative trends of Porosity with ultimate tensile strength and uniaxial compressive strength were observed which is in accordance with standard. The analysis revealed that the limestones of NikanaiGhar Formation fall within the standard specification limits and can be used as aggregates for the indigenous construction industry.
文摘In this study, geophysical and geotechnical studies were carried out in NE Turkey to evaluate the stability and support design of cut slopes that will be excavated during the construction of a new border control complex. 13 vertical and 3 inclined boreholes were drilled, and 2D electrical resistivity tomography surveys were conducted along 8 profiles to investigate the horizontal and vertical continuity of the geological units. Strength characteristics of all units were determined by laboratory tests. Limit equilibrium(LE) slope stability analyses were conducted on the geological model for static and pseudo-static conditions and factor of safety values as low as 0.227 were determined for post-excavation. Back analysis was conducted for the determination of required support forces on the slopes to achieve a factor of safety of 1.3. A feasible support system consisting of bored piles and rock anchors was designed based on back analysis results for each cut slope. LE analyses were repeated after the implementation of the designed support systems and the lowest factor of safety value increased to 1.35. The utility and safety of the designed support systems were investigated using finite element slope stability analyses and strength reduction factor values higher than 1.3 were determined which means support systems will function as intended and no support failure will occur. Lastly, quick reference charts were created for alluvium and residual soil materials to easily determine the safe slope angle in the future in case no support measures will be applied.
