Abstract
This research is considered the first study to analyze the engineering properties of the carbonate rocks along the Najran-Sharourah District and aims to fill the study gap for the building properties of the limestone of Tuwaiq Mountain Formation, widely distributed along the Najran-Sharourah District. The engineering aspects of this limestone are investigated in field and experimental work. To evaluate the chemical, physical, and mechanical properties in the laboratory, samples collected during the fieldwork are tested. The mean physical properties of Tuwaiq Limestone Formation are characterized by a Ϭdry and Abs of 2.20 to 2.87 g/cm3 and 3.67% to 8.0%, respectively, where the mechanical properties are UCS of 309 to 689 MPa, Is50 of 6.48 to 14.32 MPa, a 4.75 to 11.48 MPa point load strength, 20–48 Schmidt hammer rebound number, impact strength index of 40–98%, and Böhme abrasion resistance from 13–25 (cm3/50 cm2). The quality index method and values obtained through laboratory tests confirm the enabled better specification of uses along the study area. The limestone of Tuwaiq Mountain Formation is highly valued for construction, as its rock characteristics and qualify are ideal for use as building stone, including the renovation of buildings to repair worn and fading pieces, as well as the cladding of new buildings.
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Acknowledgements
The authors would like to express their gratitude to the Ministry of Education and the Deanship of Scientific Research at Najran University, The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, for their financial and technical support under code number (NU/SERC/10/498). Thanks to ASAS for mining and industrial consultation house for technical support. Thanks extend to Eng. Mohamed Gadallah (Najran Cement Factory) for his help during filed work in Sultanah area.
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El-Aal, A.A., Zakhera, M., Al Saiari, M. et al. Determination of the geomechanical and chemical properties of carbonate rocks along Najran, Sharourah District, Saudi Arabia: implications for construction and industrial purposes. Arab J Geosci 14, 1694 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-021-08135-7
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-021-08135-7