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Reliance of physico-mechanical properties on petrographic characteristics: consequences from the study of Utla granites, north-west Pakistan

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Abstract

The relationship between the mechanical properties and petrographic features of granites from the Utla area, north-west Pakistan, was studied. Three different textural varieties of granites (megacrystic coarse-grained, fine-grained and foliated coarse-grained) were collected. Following a comprehensive petrographic analysis, their uniaxial compressive and tensile strengths as well their physical properties (porosity, water absorption and specific gravity) were determined. The modal concentrations, sizes and shapes of minerals as well as their distribution and alignment were analyzed during the petrographic observations. A detailed investigation utilizing statistical analysis revealed that megacrystic coarse-grained granites are stronger than the other two varieties because of greater variance in the grain sizes of their constituent minerals, their unaligned nature, lower abundances of micaceous minerals, and lower porosity and water absorption values.

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Acknowledgments

The National Center of Excellence in Geology, University of Peshawar, Pakistan provided facilities for carrying out fieldwork and determining porosity, specific gravity and water absorption. The petrographic studies were conducted in the Department of Geology, University of Peshawar, Pakistan. The instruments in the Material Testing Laboratory of the Civil Department, KP University of Engineering and Technology, Peshawar (Pakistan) were utilized to determine the mechanical properties. The support of Dr. Muhammad Ashraf (UET Peshawar) when conducting the strength tests is also greatly acknowledged.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Camborne School of Mines, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Cornwall, TR10 9EZ, UK

    Muhammad Sajid

  2. Department of Geology, University of Peshawar, Peshawar, 25120, Pakistan

    Mohammad Arif

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  1. Muhammad Sajid
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  2. Mohammad Arif
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Correspondence to Muhammad Sajid.

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Sajid, M., Arif, M. Reliance of physico-mechanical properties on petrographic characteristics: consequences from the study of Utla granites, north-west Pakistan. Bull Eng Geol Environ 74, 1321–1330 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10064-014-0690-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10064-014-0690-9

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