Author(s)

Imed Ben Salah^*, Moufida Ben M’Barek Jemaï, Safa Mezza, Mabrouk Boughdiri

Department of Geology, Sciences University of Bizerte, University of Carthage, Bizerte, Tunisia.

This study aims to the initial characterization of Aptian sedimentary limestones in the Kef region located in the North-West of Tunisia in order to use in industrial fields. The limestone samples were collected from three outcrops respectively named Jebel Jerissa, Jebel Hmeima and Jebel Harraba. A geochemical characterization highlights a variation of the weight percentage (wt%) as follows: CaO (53 - 55), MgO (0.04 - 0.28), Al₂O₃ (0.07 - 0.51), Fe₂O₃ (0.41 - 2.87), and a loss on ignition (41.62 - 43.35). The other oxides (K₂O, SO₃, Na₂O) are in trace amounts. Mineralogical analysis revealed that limestones contain more than 95% of calcite and the clay impurities are the minor phases detected. Petrographic study showed that these limestones are packestone-wakestone type. The hardness of Aptian limestones crosses the upper limit of the hard domain. Geotechnical tests reveal a Dry Micro Deval (MDS) coefficient varying from 23% to 33%, a Wet Micro Deval (MDH) coefficient with values oscillating around 26% to 36%, a Los Angeles coefficient (LA) about 25% against a value of the compressive strength ranging from 593 Kg/cm² to 866 Kg/cm². The gravimetric tests highlighted a flexural strength value from 106 Kg/cm² at 208 Kg/cm², while the ultrasonic coefficient oscillates from 4876 m/s to 5233 m/s, indicating the low porosity of these limestone (0.5% to 1%). The density recorded an average value of 2.50 g/cm³. The various properties studied have proved that the limestone studied can be used in various industrial fields such steel industry, aggregate, cement industry and marble.

Aptian Limestone, Geotechnical Properties, Geochemical Properties, Industrial Use

Salah, I. , Jemaï, M. , Mezza, S. and Boughdiri, M. (2018) Geotechnical Study of the Aptian Limestone of the Kef Region, Northwestern Tunisia: Evaluation for Industrial Use. Open Journal of Geology, 8, 1084-1101. doi: 10.4236/ojg.2018.812066.