Investigation on the Suitability of Fobur Granite in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria for Road Construction

Abstract

The suitability of Fobur granite for road construction was investigated. Three samples A, B and C were handpicked from various locations on the quarry site using random sampling method. The samples were subjected to different tests namely chemical analysis, radioactivity, polishability, oxidization properties, porosity, compressive test and hardness test. The chemical analysis of CaCO3 with assays for samples A, B, and C are 52.33%, 48.5%, and 54. 28% respectively; specific gravity obtained are 2.07, 2.27 and 2.28 for samples A, B and C. The values of porosity test for samples A, B, and C were 0.02,0.03 and 0.03; while Oxidation properties test reported- with no peeling was observed, the polish stone value (PSV) test was for the samples resulted in good abrasiveness and yielding attractive color tints. Also, the polishability test indicated that the samples are good for lapidary; while Radioactivity test estimation were gotten to be 6.8, 7.7 and 8.3 microR/hr. for samples A,B and C respectively. Hence, thevalues obtained from investigation on the suitability of Fobur granite in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria for road construction are within the accepted equivalent maximum permissible level, suitable for road construction. 

Key words: Granite, Road Construction, Random Sampling, Porosity, Abrasiveness, Radioactivity