Role of Engineering Geology in Mining Aggregate, Building Stone: A Case Study of Sangjani Taxila, Limestone, Islamabad, Pakistan

Khuram Shehzad

doi:10.64862/

Role of Engineering Geology in Mining Aggregate, Building Stone: A Case Study of Sangjani Taxila, Limestone, Islamabad, Pakistan

Authors

Khuram Shehzad Department of Mining & HEQs, Maple Leaf Cement Factory Ltd., Pakistan. Association for Engineering Geology, Pakistan (AEGP) National Group of IAEG Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.64862/

Keywords:

Margalla Hill Limestone, Aggregate quality, Physico-mechanical properties, Concrete performance, Taxila Pakistan

Abstract

To meet the growing demand for sustainable construction materials, the identification of high-quality aggregate reserves based on geological and economic parameters is essential. This study investigates the physico-mechanical and petrographic characteristics of Eocene Margalla Hill Limestone from Sangjani–Taxila to evaluate its suitability as a source of construction aggregates. Field mapping, systematic sampling, and laboratory tests following AASHTO and ASTM standards demonstrate that the limestone exhibits excellent engineering properties, meets international performance criteria, and poses no risk of alkali–silica or alkali–carbonate reactions. With extensive outcrops, favorable accessibility, and consistent lithology, the Margalla Hill Limestone represents a significant sustainable resource for future civil and mining projects.

References

ASTM International. (2007). C568-03: Standard specification for limestone dimension stone (pp. 45–46). ASTM International. ISBN 0-8031-4104-1.

ASTM International. (2014). ASTM D2419-14: Standard test for sand equivalent value of soil and fine aggregate. ASTM International.

ASTM International. (2014). ASTM D4791-10: Standard test method for flat particles, elongated particles, in coarse aggregate. ASTM International.

American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. (2001). T85: Specific gravity and absorption of coarse aggregate. AASHTO.

Bell, F. G. (2007). Engineering geology (2nd ed.). Elsevier.

Hassan, E., Hannan, A., Rashid, M., Ahmed, W., Zeb, M., Khan, S., Abbas, S., and Ahmad, A. (2020). Resource assessment of Sakesar limestone as aggregate from Salt Range, Pakistan based on geotechnical properties. International Journal of Hydrology, 4(1). https://doi.org/10.15406/ijh.2020.04.00222

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Published

2025-11-27

Data Availability Statement

The current research abstract is being submitted for review and will be published after review completion.

Issue

Vol. 2 No. Sp Issue (2025): Extended Abstract Volume of the ARC-15 of IAEG, Asian Journal of Engineering Geology

Section

ARC15 Extended Abstract

License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

How to Cite

Role of Engineering Geology in Mining Aggregate, Building Stone: A Case Study of Sangjani Taxila, Limestone, Islamabad, Pakistan. (2025). Asian Journal of Engineering Geology, 2(Sp Issue), 325-326. https://doi.org/10.64862/