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Sedimentologic evaluation of concrete gravels and sands, Dahshour, Egypt, for engineering applications. A study in engineering sedimentology
Amal H. Rasmy, Waguih N. Mikhail and 1R. ELRaheb

Egyptian Geological Survey, Cairo 1Ardman Ace Co., Egypt

The present study is an attempt to outline the characteristics of the concrete aggregates (gravel and sand) in a quarry near Dahshour South of Cairo on the west side of the Nile Valley. This is done to determine their compliance with the standard specifications as a pre-requisite before their utilization in construction works particularly major projects.

Petrographical investigation, X-ray diffraction and differential thermal analyses were carried out on the studied aggregates. Physical studies included sieve analysis, Los Angles abrasion test, determination of the adhering clay lumps and friable particles and mortar bar test for the physical reactivity of the aggregates. Chemical tests including the determination of the chemical composition, the potential alkali-reactivity and the amount of sulfates and chlorides were also performed.

The results obtained indicated that the specifications of the studied samples conform well with the ASTM standards for concrete aggregates. It is here recommended to carry out similar studies on other sources of aggregates before their utilization to insure their suitability as construction materials. This will enhance further researches in engineering sedimentology.