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<p>The Early Eocene Sakesar Limestone (SL), extensively exposed and quarried in the Eastern and Central Salt Range of Pakistan, was systematically assessed for its suitability as coarse aggregate in concrete and asphalt. Twelve representative samples from three major quarry sites (BSL, HCL, MCL) were analyzed using physicomechanical, petrographic, and geochemical methods. Physicomechanical tests (ASTM/BS standards) showed low Los Angeles Abrasion (12.09–18.15%) and Aggregate Impact Values (4.1–8.4%), indicating high resistance to wear and impact. Specific gravity (2.55–2.67), water absorption (0.46–1.13%), and particle density (1.473–1.553&#xa0;g/cm<sup>3</sup>) reflected low porosity and high durability. Particle shapes were predominantly flaky but within acceptable limits. Petrography revealed micrite-dominated mudstones, wackestones, and packstones with bioclasts, minor chert (2–3%), dolomite (1–2%), and pyrite. Deleterious components were below ASTM thresholds, indicating low alkali-reactivity risk. Geochemically, the limestone showed high CaO (90–97%) and low SiO₂, Al₂O₃, Fe₂O₃, and MgO, confirming mineralogical purity. Trace elements (Sr, Ba, Zn) were within safe limits. Strong correlations were observed: CaO and micrite content positively correlated with specific gravity (r = 0.93, 0.91) and negatively with water absorption (r = –0.96, –0.89). Abrasion values inversely correlated with Sr and MgO. Hence, the Sakesar Limestone is mechanically competent, mineralogically stable, and chemically durable aggregate.</p>

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Integrated physicomechanical, petrographic, and geochemical evaluation of eocene carbonate aggregates from the Salt Range, Pakistan

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年3月17日

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  • Khawaja Shoaib Ahmed,
  • Muhammad Basharat,
  • Amir Shahzad,
  • Yasir Sirfraz,
  • Muhammad Tayyib Riaz,
  • Usama Shabir Abbasi,
  • Salman Rasheed

摘要

The Early Eocene Sakesar Limestone (SL), extensively exposed and quarried in the Eastern and Central Salt Range of Pakistan, was systematically assessed for its suitability as coarse aggregate in concrete and asphalt. Twelve representative samples from three major quarry sites (BSL, HCL, MCL) were analyzed using physicomechanical, petrographic, and geochemical methods. Physicomechanical tests (ASTM/BS standards) showed low Los Angeles Abrasion (12.09–18.15%) and Aggregate Impact Values (4.1–8.4%), indicating high resistance to wear and impact. Specific gravity (2.55–2.67), water absorption (0.46–1.13%), and particle density (1.473–1.553 g/cm3) reflected low porosity and high durability. Particle shapes were predominantly flaky but within acceptable limits. Petrography revealed micrite-dominated mudstones, wackestones, and packstones with bioclasts, minor chert (2–3%), dolomite (1–2%), and pyrite. Deleterious components were below ASTM thresholds, indicating low alkali-reactivity risk. Geochemically, the limestone showed high CaO (90–97%) and low SiO₂, Al₂O₃, Fe₂O₃, and MgO, confirming mineralogical purity. Trace elements (Sr, Ba, Zn) were within safe limits. Strong correlations were observed: CaO and micrite content positively correlated with specific gravity (r = 0.93, 0.91) and negatively with water absorption (r = –0.96, –0.89). Abrasion values inversely correlated with Sr and MgO. Hence, the Sakesar Limestone is mechanically competent, mineralogically stable, and chemically durable aggregate.