Journal Published Online: 29 July 2026
Volume , Issue

Engineering Characterization of Lockhart Limestone for Construction Applications: An Integrated Geomechanical, Petrographic, and Geochemical Approach

CODEN: JTEVAB

Abstract

This study presents an integrated geo mechanical, petrographic, and geochemical assessment of Lockhart Limestone to evaluate its suitability for construction applications and cement production in Pakistan. A 75 m thick exposure was systematically investigated through field logging, laboratory testing, and petrographic analysis. All tested geomechanical properties confirm to standards established by the British Standards Institution, the American Society for Testing and Materials, and the International Society for Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering. Uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) ranges from 25 to 188 MPa (mean = 106 MPa), reflecting significant lithofacies-controlled heterogeneity. Petrographic analysis reveals a calcite-dominated fabric (>75 %) with minimal reactive phases (dolomite < 8 %, quartz <3 %), explaining negligible alkali–silica reactivity (expansion = 0.056 %). Geochemically, high calcium oxide content (53.7 wt. %) and low impurities, confirm suitability as a cement raw material. A robust empirical model developed from 30 paired point-load and UCS tests enable reliable strength prediction for routine quality control.

Author Information

Rehman, Naveed
Key Laboratory of Tectonics and Petroleum Resources, Ministry of Education, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, Hubei, China
Jiang, Shu
Key Laboratory of Tectonics and Petroleum Resources, Ministry of Education, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, Hubei, China
Rehman, Akhtar
Research Work Station of Architecture and Urban Planning, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, PR China
Ali, Syed Haroon
Department of Earth Sciences, University of Sargodha, Sargodha, Punjab, Pakistan
Asad, Muhammad
Institute of Geophysics and Geomatics, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
Iqbal, Mehmood
College of Marine Science and Engineering. Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, PR China
Ahmad, Haseeb
Key Laboratory of Tectonics and Petroleum Resources, Ministry of Education, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, Hubei, China
Pages: 20
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Stock #: JTE20250501
ISSN: 0090-3973
DOI: 10.1520/JTE20250501