Investigation of Carbonate Rocks of Malikhore Formation as Coarse Aggregate and Dimension Stone, SE Balochistan, Pakistan

Properties of coarse aggregate of carbonate rocks of Malikhore Formation of Jurassic age of districts Lasbela and Khuzdar, SE Balochistan were investigated. Bulk specific gravity (SSD), water absorption, sieve analysis, Los Angeles abrasion test, unconfined compressive strength, soundness, silica alkali reactivity, clay lump and friable particles, loose and rodded density, flakiness and elongation indices of coarse aggregate were evaluated for building and road material. Nearly all the samples were found within the specified limits of ASTM specifications and are appropriate material for concrete, asphalt and suitable as dimension stone. The variation in color and texture of carbonate rocks of Malikhore Formation has good demand from the local and foreign markets as dimension stones.