Strength characteristics of two Nigerian rocks

Abstract

Supare granite deposit and Itakpe iron ore deposit of Nigeria were studied in order to evaluate their strength characteristics. Two types of tests were conducted: (i) the uniaxial compressive strength test and (ii) the point load strength and index test.
The results from the investigation show among others that (i) supare granite has a higher strength indices (ii) the effect of moisture on tensile and compressive strengths of Itakpe iron ore is greater than that of Supare granite (iii) drilling and blasting operations are the most appropriate excavation techniques for the two locations and (iv) economical blasting operation can be achieved at the two locations when the rock massif has a higher level of water saturation.

Keywords: Strength, compression, point load, saturation.


(Global Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences: 2002 8(4): 543-552)