PETROGRAPHY AND AGGREGATE ANALYSIS OF THE CARBONATES FROM THE BABUZAI AREA, PAKISTAN

This study is conducted to evaluate aggregate characteristics and potential of carbonates rocks of the Kashala Formation, Babuzai area Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan. Physical and chemical tests were performed to assess aggregate suitability. Laboratory tests reveal Los Angeles Abrasion values of 17%, Flakiness and Elongation Index of 13% and 19.7% respectively, and Clay lumps and friable value of 0.12%. Stripping and Coating value greater than 95%, Specific gravity value (2.7-2.9). The aggregate soundness value was logged at 1.28. These parameter values were evaluated through the ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) and BS (British Standards) which specify that the Kashala Formation (KF) of the Alpurai group can be the potential source for dimension stone i.e., natural rock material in form of blocks or slabs quarried for commercial purposes, road, and concrete aggregates. The petrographic studies of the selected samples have majorly 70 to 75% of Calcite with an insignificant amount of 20 to 25% dolomite, 5 to 8% quartz along with ores of 1 to 2%. The small number of quartz grains and ore minerals indicate that sample formation is composed of dolomitic marble having a limited amount of deleterious content such as quartz, dolomite, and clays, which suggests that the carbonates have an insignificant threat of ACR (Alkali carbonate reaction) and ASR (Alkali silica reaction). The study indicates that the carbonates of the Babuzai area fall within the standard specification limits and can be used as a source for the indigenous construction industry.