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<p>This study investigates the mechanical properties of limestone from two sections of the same stratigraphic formation (Lockhart limestone) “Changla Gali in the Hazara Basin and Rumli near Islamabad” to evaluate the influence of tectonic setting on rock strength. The sections were selected to compare a tectonically active northern margin environment (Changla Gali) with a relatively stable foreland basin zone (Rumli). Uniaxial Compressive Strength (UCS) was measured and correlated with petrographic parameters including calcite content, bioclast abundance, and porosity. Additionally, correlations with microstructural features such as fractures, stylolites, and vein infillings were evaluated to understand their influence on mechanical behavior. Regression analysis shows that UCS increases with higher calcite content (R² = 0.36–0.75) and decreases with greater bioclast content (R² = 0.66–0.78) and porosity (R² = 0.07–0.79) across both sections. The Changla Gali limestones display lower UCS (Range 22.7–60&#xa0;MPa and Mean 36.13) and elastic modulus values due to enhanced tectonic fracturing, heterogeneous fabrics, and reduced sparite cementation. These units are located along the active northern margin of the Indian Plate and are influenced by compressional tectonics and ophiolite obduction. In contrast, Rumli limestones, situated in the more stable Kohat–Potwar foreland basin south of the Main Boundary Thrust, exhibit higher UCS (Range 28.9-147.2&#xa0;MPa and Mean 92.33), reflecting greater sparite cementation, lower porosity, and more crystalline fabrics. Microstructural features further modulate UCS, highlighting the interplay between diagenesis and tectonic deformation. These results provide a predictive framework for assessing carbonate rock strength in structurally complex terrains and demonstrate that limestones in relatively stable foreland settings, like the Kohat–Potwar Plateau, possess superior mechanical properties compared to those in tectonically active margin zones, such as the Hazara Basin.</p>

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Mechanical properties of Lockhart limestone in contrasting tectonic settings of Northern Pakistan

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年2月9日

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  • Nosheen Akhter

摘要

This study investigates the mechanical properties of limestone from two sections of the same stratigraphic formation (Lockhart limestone) “Changla Gali in the Hazara Basin and Rumli near Islamabad” to evaluate the influence of tectonic setting on rock strength. The sections were selected to compare a tectonically active northern margin environment (Changla Gali) with a relatively stable foreland basin zone (Rumli). Uniaxial Compressive Strength (UCS) was measured and correlated with petrographic parameters including calcite content, bioclast abundance, and porosity. Additionally, correlations with microstructural features such as fractures, stylolites, and vein infillings were evaluated to understand their influence on mechanical behavior. Regression analysis shows that UCS increases with higher calcite content (R² = 0.36–0.75) and decreases with greater bioclast content (R² = 0.66–0.78) and porosity (R² = 0.07–0.79) across both sections. The Changla Gali limestones display lower UCS (Range 22.7–60 MPa and Mean 36.13) and elastic modulus values due to enhanced tectonic fracturing, heterogeneous fabrics, and reduced sparite cementation. These units are located along the active northern margin of the Indian Plate and are influenced by compressional tectonics and ophiolite obduction. In contrast, Rumli limestones, situated in the more stable Kohat–Potwar foreland basin south of the Main Boundary Thrust, exhibit higher UCS (Range 28.9-147.2 MPa and Mean 92.33), reflecting greater sparite cementation, lower porosity, and more crystalline fabrics. Microstructural features further modulate UCS, highlighting the interplay between diagenesis and tectonic deformation. These results provide a predictive framework for assessing carbonate rock strength in structurally complex terrains and demonstrate that limestones in relatively stable foreland settings, like the Kohat–Potwar Plateau, possess superior mechanical properties compared to those in tectonically active margin zones, such as the Hazara Basin.