Engineering Characterisation of Kuala Lumpur Granite and Limestone

Abstract

Rock properties are key elements that should be taken into account in designing substructures especially for underground structures such as tunnel and pile. For this reason, rock should be tested directly in the laboratory to measure the properties of the material particularly the physical and mechanical properties. This study is about investigating the quality of granite and limestone from Kuala Lumpur area for engineering purposes. As Kuala Lumpur is having a rapid development in urbanisation, construction in and on rock mass is an important element that cannot be avoided. Being part of tropical region, the quality of rock should be measured thoroughly because of deterioration and decaying of the material due to weathering. Referring to the problems encountered with rocks in tropical country, this study was carried out to characterise the engineering properties of granite and limestone found in the Kuala Lumpur area. Samples of granite and limestone were taken from a number of places where the borehole drilling for site investigation works is on progress. A finding of this study hopefully is useful in providing information of engineering properties of granite and limestone from Kuala Lumpur for technical communities.