Suitability of Fobur Biotite – Granite as an Aggregate Construction Material, Jos, North Central Nigeria

Abstract

The physical properties of the Fobur Granites in Plateau State were examined with the aim of determining their suitability as aggregates for construction. Some rock samples were collected from different points within the study area. Ten (10) samples were collected and their specific gravity values were determined using the pyncometre. Their specific gravity values range from 2.597 to 2.654. Its low percentage measured from the percentage pass indicates that more energy is needed to dislodge or disassemble the rock particle. The energy required to do this is called the comminution energy as compared to the specific gravities of different types of soil / rock aggregates. The average specific gravity of the granites in Fobur falls within the range of the standard specific gravity of rocks. As a result, the granites in Fobur community can be for use as construction aggregates. From literature, granites are composed of quartz, orthoclase, hornblende and biotite. The mineral composition of granites in Fobur gives them a specific gravity that is more than 2.50. The research objective is to determine the suitability of Fobur Biotite Granite as an aggregate construction material in Jos, North Central Nigeria.