The evaluation of engineering properties of limestone aggregates using in concrete mixture (case study from Hamedan province)

In this study, Hamedan province limestones including Malayer limestone, Sarab gian limestone, Hame kasi limestone, Abshineh limestone, Alisadr and Ekbatan limestones have been studied. Physical, mechanical and abrasion properties of the studied rocks with various textures have been investigated and finally the durability of limestone aggregates by rock soundness test with sodium and magnesium sulfate solutions has been considered. The obtained results have been compared with related standards and the suitability of the studied rocks as the concrete aggregates have been evaluated. Additionally, effects of texture and aggregates grain size have extensively been studied in this research. Therefore, Hamedan limestones have been classified into 7 fraction sizes according to ASTM C88 standard. Based on petrographical results, limestones with micrite matrix are more resistant against salt solutions than limestones with sparite cement and weight loss percentage in limestones with micrite matrix is less than 10%. Additionally, limestone aggregates with resistant texture are more durable against salt solutions when the fraction sizes of aggregates are coarser (groups 4 to 7) and these are suitable for civil projects. On the contrary, limestone aggregates with poor texture are more durable when the fraction sizes of aggregates are finer (groups 1 to 3) and it would be possible to use them in aggregate production on necessary occasions. Besides, based on abrasion properties of aggregates, Abshineh limestone can’t be considered as a suitable material for places under abrasion and impact stresses.