Author(s)

Javid Hussain^1*, Jiaming Zhang^1*, Fitriani Fitria², Muhammad Shoaib³, Hadi Hussain⁴, Ali Asghar¹, Sadam Hussain⁴

¹Geological Engineering, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, China.
²School of Geophysics and Geomatics, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, China.
³State Key Laboratory of Hydraulic Engineering Simulation and Safety, School of Civil Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China.
⁴Department of Oil and Gas Engineering, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, China.

This paper presents the evaluation of the potential aggregate source for pavement construction in Pakistan. Recently the demand for construction materials has been increased significantly due to the establishment of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Projects. Therefore, it is essential to look for new resources of construction materials along with the CPEC routes in consideration of this increasing demand. In this context, a Physical and Mechanical characterization investigation is carried out on the Permian Wargal Limestone from Zaluch Nala, Salt Range to explore their potential to utilize as construction materials. The studied samples have tolerable values for all standard engineering parameters, proposed by various national and international agencies such as AASHTO, ASTM, BS, and NHA. Furthermore, as a performance indicator of aggregate overall quality, the evaluated mechanical qualities were integrated into a single characteristic, Toughness Index (TI). The TI values also suggested that the Permian Wargal limestone aggregates meet international quality standards for pavement construction. On the basis of geotechnical testing and Toughness Index (TI), the late Permian Wargal limestone, Zaluch Nala, Salt Range, is strongly recommended as a potential aggregate resource for mega projects such as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and other construction projects.

CPEC, Potential Aggregates, Geotechnical Properties, Toughness Index (TI), Wargal Limestone

Hussain, J. , Zhang, J. , Fitria, F. , Shoaib, M. , Hussain, H. , Asghar, A. and Hussain, S. (2022) Aggregate Suitability Assessment of Wargal Limestone for Pavement Construction in Pakistan. Open Journal of Civil Engineering, 12, 56-74. doi: 10.4236/ojce.2022.121005.