Evaluation of selected basalts from Nigde, Turkey, as source of concrete aggregate

Basaltic rocks have been widely used as aggregate for various purposes. They show a variety of textural and mineralogical characteristics that may affect their physico-mechanical properties as well as their use as construction material. The study presented in this paper was carried out on basalts that are widespread in the Middle Anatolian Region of Turkey and that comprise the major source of local crushed rock aggregates. To determine the suitability of the basalts as alternative aggregate resource, Early Quaternary Melendiz Volcanites, Quaternary Karatas volcanites and Igredak basalts were selected around the Nigde Region. The experimental studies were conducted on these rocks. The samples were collected as being representative of 11 different types of basalt. The physico-mechanical properties of the basalts of different compositions and textures, and the properties of their aggregates were determined. The results were then compared with the typical acceptance limits in international usage. Although olivine basalts have better aggregate quality compared to other basalts, most of the basalts were found to be suitable for production of crushed rock aggregates for concrete production. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.