Abstract:
The use of the granite is increasing day by day in construction industry.
Therefore, the mechanical properties of Malakand granite were investigated to
estimate the strength and give recommendations in designing safe structures. The
present research deals with the investigation and correlation of compressive strength,
specific gravity and water absorption of granite from different localities of Malakand,
KP, Pakistan. Malakand Granite with distinct petrographic features have been tested
to examine the influence of textural characteristics on the variation of their respective
strength. Comparison of petrographic observations before and after the strength tests
and the relationship of fracture propagation with mineral boundaries specify vital
impact of textural variation in evaluating the mechanical behavior of granites. The
important textural features include average grain size of rock, grain boundary
recrystallization, and maximum grain size of major rock forming minerals, mean
grain size of cleaved minerals, mineral exsolution and variation of grain size within a
rock. The petrographic observations, however, are more effective to describe the
strength variation of granites having analogous weathering grade as change in degree
of weathering has a dominant effect on rock mechanics.
