Suitability of the Fatha Limestone Formation rocks in Al-Mishraq Area, Ninavah Governorate, northern Iraq, for riprap stone purposes

Abstract

Using natural materials for engineering purposes is less expensive compared to industrial materials, and taking advantage of the limestone found in abundance in Ninavah Governorate for the purpose of stone riprap. The research aims to evaluate the suitability of limestone rocks for Fatha Formation in the Al-Mishraq area, Ninavah Governorate, northern Iraq, for stone riprap purposes. Eight stations of limestone rocks were chosen in the study area. Geotechnical tests showed that the porosity values ranged between (5.401-16.362%), the dry density values It ranged between (2.177-2.601) g/cm3, mechanical abrasion values ranged from (37.7-53.8%), chemical abrasion values ranged from (2.1-9.8%), true specific gravity values ranged from (2.585-2.749), and absorption percentage values It ranged between (2.078-7.515%). By comparing the results of geotechnical tests with the standard specifications related to stones riprap, we found that the limestone rocks in the study area are suitable for use as riprap stones in stations (1, 2 and 8) and are not suitable in the rest of the stations according to the standard specification (F.D.O.T., 2000), (Florida Department of Transportation). Moreover, it is suitable for use as riprap stones in stations (1, 2, 7 and 8) and is not valid in the rest of the stations according to the Iraqi specification numbered 1387 (National Center for Laboratories and Construction Research, 1989). In addition, it is suitable for the same purpose in the stations (1, 2, 3, 4 and 6) and are not valid in the rest of the stations according to the standard specification (ASTM-D, 523, 2004) (American Society for Testing and Material). The difference in suitability is due to the difference in requirements of the standard specifications.