CARACTERIZAÇÃO GEOTÉCNICA DA ROCHA CALCÁRIA DE JOÃO PESSOA/PB

is abundant in the subsoil of the region of João Pessoa, capital of the State of Paraíba, favouring its use as aggregate, due to economic extraction and low transport costs. However, being a sedimentary rock, it is soluble when exposed to the presence of water. This paper proposes to characterize the limestone from that region, in order to assess its application as aggregate for concrete. The following tests were performed: grain real density; dry bulk density; water absorption; abrasion, compressive strength and physical analyses, in dry and saturated conditions; electron microscopy; X-ray diffraction; and field trials. The results indicated that it is composed of calcium carbonate (CaCO 3 ), with high water absorption rate and low abrasion and compressive resistance, concluding that its use should be restricted to certain types of constructions.