Morales Vélez, Alesandra C.

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    Moisture effects on short term durability and mechanical properties of two Puerto Rico crushed limestone aggregates
    (2009-12) Morales Vélez, Alesandra C.; Pando López, Miguel A.; College of Engineering; Acosta Costa, Felipe J.; Ramos Cabeza, Ricardo; Department of Civil Engineering; Rivera Borrero, Mario
    This Master of Science thesis includes an experimental characterization of the mechanical properties of two Puerto Rico crushed limestone aggregates (CLA). Specifically, the crushed limestone was obtained from two quarries from the North and South Puerto Rico Karst Landforms. The main objective was to evaluate the short term durability and possible degradation of mechanical properties under different levels of exposure to moist environments (fresh and salt water baths). The experimental program included: Index testing, XRD and TGA Mineralogy, Slake Durability Tests, Los Angeles Abrasion Tests, Point Load Tests, 1-D Compression Tests and a series of Triaxial Compression Tests. The two crushed limestone types had high contents of calcium carbonate (both above 94%). The main differences of the CLA types were observed in their porosity and water absorption. The CLA from northern PR (Aymamon Formation) had a porosity and water absorption of 7.93% and 3.88%, respectively. In contrast the CLA from the southern PR (Cuevas Formation) has a porosity and water absorption of 1.95% and 1.29%, respectively. The two CLA types were tested after different tries of submergence in fresh and salt water with a maximum submergence time of 150 days. No degradation in terms of slake durability and point load index was observed at a submergence time of 150 days in fresh and salt water. Moisture conditions produced greater deformations on the CLA materials tested in Los Angeles abrasion and 1-D Compression tests. No variability was observed in the internal friction angles when subjected to moisture changes and time conditions.