SUITABILITY ASSESSMENT OF SARBAN HILL LIMESTONE AS AN AGGREGATE IN ROAD CONSTRUCTION

Abstract

This study comprises of geotechnical properties of Sarban Hill Limestone, located in heart of Hazara region, Abbottabad.The study evaluates the geotechnical behavior of Sarban Hill limestone and its validity in road construction.By collecting the samples from crushing plant located near Sarban Hill limestone performed several geotechnical tests in NHA Laboratory Mansehra to determine the geotechnical strength of Sarban Hill Limestone. Geotechnical tests performed include Flakiness and Elongation, Los Angeles Abrasion, Soundness and Crushing value test. To understand the geotechnical strength of Sarban Hill Limestone different laboratory tests were analyzed and compared with pre-existing well-defined standards like American Society for Testing and Materials(ASTM), American Association of State Highways and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), British Standards(BS), National Highway Authority(NHA) and American Concrete Institute(ACI).After detailed analysis and comparison with national and international standards, it is concluded that the studied formation is suitable and therefore an important aggregate resource for road construction.