Geotechnical characterization of weathered limestones anapog from Consolacion, Cebu

• Main Authors: De Los Reyes, Gabriel S., San Miguel, Kamille P., Tan, Reinell Arian M., Taruc, Kristel Angela M.
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Animo Repository 2016
• Subjects: Limestone > Testing; Limestone > Philippines > Cebu
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etd_bachelors/8175
• Institution: De La Salle University

In the Visayas, there is a type of weathered limestone called anapog , which is abundantly available in areas such as Cebu and Bohol. Preliminary studies conducted by the Department of Public Works and Highways strongly suggest that anapog contained from different areas have different properties, therefore there is a need to provide a geotechnical characterization of anapog in other areas like Cebu so that it can be safely and efficiently utilized in the engineering field. In this study, the physical properties, compaction behavior, shear strength properties, consolidation properties and load bearing capacity of anapog from Consolacion, Cebu were determined through a series of ASTM standard tests. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive x-ray (EDX) spectroscopy were also conducted to determine the microfabric details and chemical composition of anapog. The physical properties established in the study are specific gravity, maximum and minimum index density, grain size distribution and Atterberg limits. From the SEM-EDX, it was determined that anapog consists of subangular particles and elements such as carbon, oxygen, aluminum, silicon, calcium, and iron. Based on the compaction behavior obtained through the proctor test, it is anticipated that anapog will exhibit a fair to excellent performance as an embankment material. Consolidation properties obtained from the oedometer test indicate that Anapog is only slightly compressible when subjected to loads as high as 800 kPa. Pre-consolidation pressure was found to be 140 kPa. Shear strength properties obtained from the direct shear test suggest that anapog in saturated and dry condition exhibits ductile behavior when subjected to loads as high as 218 kPa. Values for angle of friction ranges from 30o-32o. Values of cohesion for anapog in dry condition is significantly higher than that of anapog in saturated condition. Based on anapog's load bearing capacity, determined through the CBR test, pure anapog can be utilized as a subgrade in roa The characterization of anapog in this study may serve as a guide for engineers in fully understanding the behavior of anapog which they may use in engineering design and construction. Other researchers may also use these properties as a baseline for future studies that will involve anapog for other applications. The parameters determined guarantees anapog's efficiency as a construction material. Thus, using it as an alternative for other construction materials would help in preventing the depletion of the natural resources currently being used in the construction industry. Moreover, the urbanization in the Philippines is widespread in the Visayas. Having a locally available material that may be used for construction will have a great impact on the economic and infrastructure growth in the region.