Petrographic and Mechanical Analyses of Selected Granitic Rock Deposits in Ado-Ekiti, South-West Nigeria.

Abstract

In this study, the petrographic and mineralogy of selected granitic rocks on their physical and mechanical strength were evaluated. Granitic rock samples sourced from seven locations were analyzed to investigate their mineral micro-texture and compositions using petrographic examination and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis respectively. Mechanical properties including compressive strength and hardness of the examined rocks were performed following ASTM D7012–10 and EN 1534 standards. Their physical properties in term of specific gravity, porosity and water absorption were examined following ASTM C97/C97M. Results show that the predominant minerals in rock samples are quartz and kaolinite. Stress-strain curve displays plastic fragmentation after initial fracture in most granitic rock samples with rock samples from Olorunda Zone 9 and Olorunda Zone 2 exhibiting superior plastic deformation over a wide strain elongation. Their physical properties were within the acceptable range for construction applications.