Classification of engineering properties of tropical boulder in completely weathered granite in Johor, Malaysia

Abstract

Engineering properties of tropical weathered granite mass have been widely investigated and classified for engineering purposes. However, the engineering properties of tropical boulder in weathered granite profile is poorly understood and not well classified. This study aims to examine and classify the physico-mechanical properties of granite boulder in completely weathered zone. A total of 34 in-situ boulders were examined from two granite quarries located in Southern Johor, Malaysia. Microstructure-mineralogical alterations were analyzed based on petrographic analysis and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The mechanical properties were including dry density, porosity, point load strength, uniaxial compressive strength and permeability. Three properties were identified as significant indicators to differentiate between tropical boulder and completely weathered granite when it is evaluated from the soil investigation drilling work namely; texture characteristics, discolourations and degree of weathering. Analysis revealed that the alteration of microstructures and minerals such as feldspar, biotite, and plagioclase from corestone (Grade I/II) to saprolite (Grade IV/V) zone were significantly reduced the dry density, point load strength, uniaxial compressive strength and permeability with 32%, 99.5%, 98.6% and 84.8%, respectively. It has also significantly increased the porosity up to 11.6 times or 1065% from corestone to saprolite. The significant different of physico-mechanical properties of material surrounding boulder due to weathering can be classified and useful in evaluation of geotechnical design and geological engineering applications.