GEOMECHANICAL PROPERTIES AND ECONOMIC POTENTIALS OF DOLERITE ROCKS FROM S.E. NIGERIA

Oden Michael I¹., Igonor,Emmanuel E² and Essien, Nse U¹.

¹Department of Geology, University of Calabar,Cross River

²Petra Prospectors Limited,(Nigeria)

ABSTRACT

As developing nations strive to catch up with the rest of the world, good quality construction stones, if found locally and harnessed would help save cost and also ensure the development of local industries. The study area, Cross River State (SE Nigeria), which is within longitudes 8⁰ 00̍ E to 9⁰ 12̍ E and the parallels 5⁰ 35̍ N to 6⁰ 40̍ N, is rich in diverse kinds of igneous and metamorphic rocks, of which some are already being quarried for commercial purposes. A total of thirty (30) dolerite samples were collected from fourteen (14) different localities within the three major geological terrains in Cross River State (Oban Massif, Ikom-Mamfe embayment and Obudu Plateau) and analyzed for their geomechanical properties. Results of sample analysis from these study areas show that density ranges between 2.73 g/cm³ and 2.89g/cm³; Porosity ranges between 1.09% and 1.29%; water absorption capacity is between 0.29% and 0.76%; average specific gravity ranges from 2.79 to 2.93; durability index range from 97.66% – 98.31%; Schmidt Hammer strength ranges from 42.88 N/mm² to 48.93 N/mm²;and uniaxial compressive strength varies from 47.55N/mm² to 51N/mm². Even though the geochemistry of dolerites in general maybe a major setback for their use, all the dolerite samples from the study area, show acceptable physical and mechanical properties, which make them very suitable for the construction/dimension stone industry.