Caracterização da rocha calcária de João Pessoa/PB e sua aplicação em obras geotécnicas de pequeno porte

Abstract

Limestone is a type of rock abundant in the state of Paraiba, a fact that favors its use as aggregate in concrete for construction. Its economic extraction, availability, ease of extraction and low transport costs, redundant in stimulating their large-scale use as aggregate in structural element of foundations in small buildings. The limestone, however, presents a basic constitution of sedimentary origin elements, being water soluble, with the possibility of the occurrence of subsidence problems in groundwater shallow regions or places with high moisture content. Given the likelihood of risks, both in its use in foundations elements such as the perspective of the existence of sinkholes underground, due to the presence of this massive rock where buildings are typically deployed with deep foundations, the present study was to characterize the limestone in the metropolitan area of ​​João Pessoa, in order to judge whether it is suitable for use as concrete aggregate used in shallow foundations. Initially it was necessary to make a deeper study of karst phenomena in this type of rock it is subject, referring to the literature on the effect of the species and its occurrence in different regions of Brazil and especially in the area under study. It was also necessary to carry out tests with the material extracted from the rock, in order to discover their physical properties and main chemical and if they keep compatibility with use in civil construction. A survey of lithography subsoil of the Greater João Pessoa area in order to identify the volume, scope and depth of the existing underground limestone layer in advance of population areas of the city, from data obtained in the literature, which showed the presence a limestone layer formation Gramame around the basement of the Greater João Pessoa site sotoposta the training barrier. The fragility of the limestone was confirmed by the tests performed to characterize the rock, such as: real density and apparent; water absorption; Los Angeles Abrasion Test; compressive and physical analysis; trials of old foundations analysis fields; scanning electron microscopy; and X-ray diffraction, suggesting that the material can not be used as aggregate for most applications in civil construction. However, as the results of field trials with existing foundations had no problems at first not noted difficulties in its use as aggregate in shallow foundations that require low voltage levels