Mineralogical composition and strength characteristics of granite rocks

This study investigates the relationship between geological and geotechnical properties of granite formations in the Mudgal region of Karnataka, India. The project includes geological surveys and laboratory testing to better understand the impact of mineralogical composition, texture, and structure on the engineering qualities of these rocks. Natural joints enable massive granite block extraction without wire saw cutting, influencing rock mass gradation. The geological assessments reveal that the study area hosts granite deposits of varying sizes, forms and structural attributes. Joints and natural discontinuities in these formations significantly impact block extraction, affecting their economic viability. Importantly, these granites exhibit limited weathering, rendering them suitable for construction purposes. Geotechnical tests expose correlations between mineral composition, grain size and rock strength. The present study covers petrographical study, Bulk unit weight variations, water absorption, specific gravity and compressive strength of granites. Higher quartz content and smaller grain sizes are found to enhance uniaxial compressive strength. In addition, using regression analysis, a novel empirical relationship is established, providing essential equations for predicting rock qualities based on mineralogical structures.