Browsing by Author "Amir, A. W."

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    ESTIMATION OF RESERVES AND ROCK SUITABILITY FOR CONSTRUCTION USING BASIC GEOLOGIC MAPPING AND GEOTECHNICAL METHODS: A CASE STUDY OF AN ABANDONED QUARRY SITE AT BUARI, SOUTHWESTERN NIGERIA
    (NSUK Journal of Science & Technology (NJST), 2020-08-27) Alu, O. O.; Bappah, A. A.; Amir, A. W.; Ojulari, B. A.; Agboola, R. O.
    Assessment of economic viability and rock suitability for construction at an abandoned quarry site at Buari village which lies between co-ordinates 8027’24.1”N to 8027’22.6”N and longitude 004055’36”E to 004055’ 26.4”E in Southwestern Nigeria was carried out by estimating the reserve tonnage at the area of study. This involves gridding, specific gravity determination, reserve estimation and life span determination. The entire area was gridded into 50 regular grids and was labeled 1-50. The elevations of different points on the area were measured in order to produce the contoured elevation map. Rock thickness of each grid was calculated. To ascertain the suitability of the rock from the area of study geotechnical tests was carried out on a sample. This involves thin section analysis, bulk density determination, Aggregate Impact Value (AIV) test and Aggregate Crushing Value (ACV) test. The elevation contoured map shows that the lowest elevation in the study area is 275 m while the highest elevation is 290 m. The 3D model of the rock generated from elevation using Surfer 12 shows that elevation is lowest in the southern part of the study area .The elevation increases northwards from the previous quarry face to the top of the hill. The Specific Gravity (SG) = 2.71, Σ (reserve volume of the each grids (RVG) (m3) = 2457.84 m3and the reserve tonnage of rock in the area of study is 6660.75 tons. This can only support an adopted exploitation rate of 18.25 ton per day for one year. Hence, the rock is considered unsuitable for mining and their economic viability is considered is very low. The specific gravity (SG) of the rock sample tested is higher than the minimum value of 2.60 recommended for rocks that are suitable for construction purposes. Average value of the results of Aggregate Impact Value (AIV) of the rock sample is 22.79%. Hence, this value certified the rock sample for use as concrete and for wearing surfaces, such as runways roads and pavement. Result of the Aggregate Crushing Value (ACV) test conducted on the selected samples is 11.17%. Hence, the rock sample from the study area is suitable for use as concrete for roads and pavements and for other structures.