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Assessment of weathering processes effect on engineering properties of Alvand granitic rocks (west of Iran), based on weathering indices

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Abstract

The Alvand batholith is one of the largest plutonic bodies in the west of Iran. In this research, several physico-mechanical tests have been performed on granodiorite and porphiroid monzogranite consisting of five degrees of weathering in Hamedan area, west of Iran. Furthermore, weathering process of Alvand granitoid is studied by chemical analysis and petrographical studies. The results indicated that engineering properties of weathered granodiorite and monzogranite vary over the wide range depending on the degree of weathering. On the other hand, this research is focused on the assessment of relationship between weathering indices and uniaxial compressive strength. For this reason, some of the most important weathering indices are reviewed. It should be noted that, application of these chemical, engineering and petrographical indices are good quantitative indicators for describing the degree of weathering. Using these indices for the assessment of uniaxial compressive strength of granodiorite and monzogranite rocks, yields suitable and meaningful results.

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Acknowledgments

This work was supported by Bu-Ali Sina University. The authors are grateful to Dr Sepahi for the help and suggestions in the petrographical studies of granitic rocks.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Geology, Faculty of Sciences, Bu-Ali Sina University, Mahdieh Ave., 65175-38695, Hamedan, Iran

    G. R. Khanlari, M. Heidari & A. A. Momeni

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  1. G. R. Khanlari
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  2. M. Heidari
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  3. A. A. Momeni
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Correspondence to G. R. Khanlari.

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Khanlari, G.R., Heidari, M. & Momeni, A.A. Assessment of weathering processes effect on engineering properties of Alvand granitic rocks (west of Iran), based on weathering indices. Environ Earth Sci 67, 713–725 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-011-1518-6

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