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2024 Vol.34, Issue 1 Preview Page

Research Article

Physical, Mechanical and Durability Properties of the Quartzite Units of Central Nepal Lesser Himalaya
Dinesh Raj Sharma1
,
Naresh Kazi Tamrakar2*
,
Upendra Baral3
1Ph.D. Scholar, Central Department of Geology, Tribhuvan University, Nepal
2Associate Professor, Central Department of Geology, Tribhuvan University, Nepal
3Associate Professor, State Key Laboratory of Tibetan Plateau Earth System Science, Resources and Environment, Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China
*Corresponding Author
31 March 2024. pp. 67-105
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Abstract

This study compares the quartzites of four quartzite units: The Fagfog Quartzite, Dunga Quartzite (member of the Robang Formation), Pandrang Quartzite (member of the Kalitar Formation) and the Chisapani Quartzite. The analysis shows variations in flakiness and elongation, as the Fagfog Quartzite displays low flakiness whereas the Pandrang and the Chisapani have moderate and the Dunga Quartzite has shown variations. The density values of the four quartzite units remain consistent, indicating uniform physical properties and porosity levels. However, bulk density values differ among the quartzites, suggesting variations in particle arrangement, porosity, and density. Regarding strength measures, the Pandrang and the Chisapani Quartzite have higher strength characteristics as compared to the Fagfog and the Dunga Quartzites. The Pandrang Quartzite has the highest average point load strength index, classifying it as “Extremely Strong”. The resistance to impact and crushing forces varies among the quartzites, with lower Aggregate Impact Value (AIV) and Aggregate Crushing Value (ACV) indicating higher strength and durability. Durability tests show that the Fagfog Quartzite has high durability against slaking, with a slight decrease observed after the fifth cycle. The Dunga Quartzite shows varying degrees of weathering, while the Pandrang and the Chisapani Quartzite have minimal weight changes, indicating strong resistance to weathering. Magnesium sulfate soundness tests indicate high durability and resistance to degradation for all four units. The Los Angeles abrasion value (LAAV) tests indicate favorable resistance to abrasion for the majority of the Fagfog, Dunga, and the Pandrang Quartzites samples, while Chisapani Quartzite shows more variability in LAAV values. The Pandrang Quartzite shows a higher proportion of elongated particles but lower flakiness index values as compared to Fagfog and Dunga Quartzites while Chisapani Quartzite stands out with a significantly higher presence of flaky particles and lower elongation index values. Mechanically, the Fagfog and Dunga Quartzite show higher strength and better resistance to abrasion and freeze and thaw. The Pandrang Quartzite shows moderate resistance to crushing and sudden effect, while the Chisapani Quartzite has variable resistance to effect. This comparative study emphasizes the diversity and complexity of quartzite rock types, showing the need for comprehensive characterization and assessment to determine their suitability for specific applications.

Keywords
Central Himalaya
aggregate
quartzite
mechanical characteristics of rock
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Information
  • Publisher :Korean Society of Engineering Geology
  • Publisher(Ko) :대한지질공학회
  • Journal Title :The Journal of Engineering Geology
  • Journal Title(Ko) :지질공학
  • Volume : 34
  • No :1
  • Pages :67-105
  • Received Date : 2024-01-24
  • Revised Date : 2024-02-29
  • Accepted Date : 2024-03-11
  • DOI :https://doi.org/10.9720/kseg.2024.1.067
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