Investigation of Physicochemical and Mechanical Property of UTAN Granites for Building Applications

Abstract

The granite formation for production of dimension stone blocks at Utan was investigated in three different locations A, B and C in a view to examine the physical properties of Utan granite using saturation and Buoyancy technique; evaluate some of its mechanical properties; determine its rate of emission of radioactive elements with Geiger Muller Counter; examine its polish-ability; and carry out chemical analysis of the granite samples with the aid of energy dispersive x-ray florescence (ED-XRF). The average porosity obtained is 0.53, 1.08; and 0.86 while the respective average density of 2.58, 2.62 and 2. Mrem respectively. Sample B is observed to be more radioactive. Both samples are polish able. Conclusively, the three tested granite rocks have suitable physical and mechanical properties that meant the requirement for building purposes; from the polish-ability test, it shows that the three (3) granite outcrops are suitable for the production of granite tiles; countertops; slabs. The chemical analysis revealed that the granite is dominated by quartz (SiO 2 ) which contributes greatly to the hardness of the rock. Also from the radioactive test, the granite samples proved conclusively that the rate of radiation found occasionally in a slab of granite is not harmful to humans when exposed to it. Hence, granite the formation of Utan will be a good building stone material.

Investigation on the Suitability of Metamorphosed Granite in Ilorin Nigeria for Road Construction and Polished Rock

“…However, samples from zone B has the maximum compressive strength. These values are similar to those obtained from Utan granite in Plateau state Nigeria[21].The average Uniaxial Compressive Strength values obtained in Table3lie within the range of the compressive strength (100 -250 MPa) specified for building stone[24].…”

“…Table 5 shows the Polish Value [20]. The values of 91-97 were considered excellent for lapidary [21], and these tested samples' values fall within this range.…”

“…Rocks which are denser are stronger while light weight ones are weak. Rocks with specific gravity less than 2.4 are not suitable for building constructions [21]. Granite has high density, making it useful as a massive countertop, which is available in large slab sizes and having varieties available from all over the world [26].…”

Feasibility Study of Establishing a Granite Aggregate Quarry at Gidan Tagwaye, Dutse Local Government Area of Jigawa State

“…The right to own mineral resources is held by the government of Nigeria that grants titles to organizations to explore, mine, and sell mineral resources. Nigeria is greatly endowed with vast deposit of mineral resources that can be harnessed towards industrial and technological development to improve the quality of life of the masses [2,3]. Granite is among the minerals deposit in this Nation.…”

“…Crushed granites are small chips of granite, used as a base layer for paving. They are rock-aggregate used in building and general construction [2]. In Southwestern region of Nigeria, the estimated demand in 2008 for granite chipping was 24.2 million tons while the total production was around 18 million tons leaving a supply difference of 6.2 million tons.…”