Alteration Dependent Physical/Mechanical Properties of Gabbro and Diorite Construction Stones

The microscopic and geomechanical properties of construction igneous rocks including the degree of alteration, the presence of micro fractures, peak strength and porosity, are affected by the proportion of detrimental minerals. Porosity in igneous rocks is reportedly of a significant negative effect on the peak strength of rocks. Samples of gabbro and diorite from a construction stone quarry were selected and subjected to microscopic and geomechanical investigations. The degree of alteration, the presence of micro fractures, and the minerals detrimental to the strength of construction stones were studied. The geomechanical experiments including determination of density, porosity, durability index, the Brazilian, and triaxial tests were conducted. The results were compared to standard values and a qualitative correlation between strength reduction and microscopic properties was detected, highlighting the importance of microscopic studies in the investigations upon construction stones. The correlation thereupon may be applied in the different stages of exploration, exploitation, and processing of construction stones

Alteration Dependent Physical/Mechanical Properties of Gabbro and Diorite Construction Stones Keywords:

Microscopic properties , geomechanic characteristics , alteration , construction stone , quartz-diorite