Mechanical properties and petrographic characteristics of Margala Hill limestone and Lockhart limestone of Rumli area, Islamabad Pakistan

Mustansar Naeem, Rana Ahmad BinSadiq, Masood Anwar, Perveiz Khalid

Résumé:

This study has been carried out to investigate the effect of petrographic characteristics on mechanical properties of Margala Hill limestone and Lockhart limestone of Rumli area, Islamabad, Pakistan. Mechanical properties, in terms of unconfined compressive strength (UCS), were computed by using point load test. Petrographic study reveals calcite and bioclasts as principal constituents of these limestones. These rocks have been classified as wackestones and mudstones. Mutual relationships of UCS with calcite, bioclasts and porosity of these rocks have been established which indicate that mechanical properties are directly linked with calcite contents and inversely related to porosity and bioclasts. Owing to comparatively higher porosity and bioclasts, Margala Hill limestone has relatively inferior mechanical properties than Lockhart limestone. Regression analysis was performed to find out some linear relationship between mechanical properties (UCS) with mineralogical characteristics and porosity of the Margala Hill limestone and Lockhart limestone. The study reveals significant positive correlation between UCS and calcite contents with higher values of regression coefficient and inverse relationship of UCS with bioclasts and porosity of the Margala Hill limestone and Lockhart limestone, respectively.

Revue:

Acta Geodaetica et Geophysica

Link:

link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40328-014-0068-2