Aggregate properties of Devonian limestones for use in concrete in Istanbul, Turkey

Limestones are the major source of crushed rocks for use in concrete in Istanbul. The existing quarries are located in a variety of limestone types. The study reported here was carried out in the Kartal Quarry in eastern Istanbul. The physico-mechanical properties of limestones of different compositions and textures were determined and the results were compared with those from standard aggregate tests. The relationships between all parameters were described by simple regression analyses. Kartal Quarry produces coarse aggregates, which are considered suitable for concrete. Laboratory testing of limestones with different compositions from Kartal Quarry indicates that fine-grained micritic limestones have superior mechanical and physical properties compared to other limestones.