Properties and lithology of aggregate for high strength concrete in OMAN

摘要

The present study has been undertaken to identify a wide spectrum of aggregates based on their geological and engineering properties for making high strength concrete in Oman. This has been accomplished by collecting and testing the samples of crushed aggregates from five regions of Oman. The results show that, in general, from the crushed aggregates collected from different sites 40.1 percent basalt, 15.8 percent limestone, 14.3 percent serpentinite, 12 percent gabbro, 9.6 percent chert and 8.2 percent other rocks and minerals were suitable. It is also seen from the results that the unsuitable type of rocks (serpentinite and peridotite), were commonly concentrated in Sohar area whereas the suitable ones (limestone, gabbro and basalt), were mostly found in AL Khoud, Nizwa and Al Jafnain. Halban showed a high percentage of basalt. In general, flakiness and elongation indices of all the samples complied with the BS 812 requirements. Although, the tested aggregate samples of Al Khoud, Nizwa and Sohar were mixtures of different rock types, the achieved values indicate that the aggregate can produce concrete with an acceptable density.