Using Sandstone as a Construction Material from Injana Formation, Koya Area, Kurdistan Region; an Evaluation

The aim of this research is to investigate the engineering properties and geochemical analysis of sandstone that is available in the Injana Formation to show its tentative quality assessment of the possibility of using sandstone as a construction material. Two sections of the laboratory experiment were discussed. The first part has discussed the physical and mechanical properties of sandstone aggregate which includes: porosity, moisture content, water absorption, dry density, uniaxial compressive strength, Schmidt Hammer Rebound, Los Angeles abrasion, weathering behavior and chemical composition. The second part has discussed the effect of sandstone powders as partial replacement of cement on the compressive strength of mortar. According to results obtained, the average values of Los Angeles abrasion values (33.36%), uniaxial compressive strength (57.43 MPa), and Schmidt's hardness (30) indicated that sandstone aggregate was strong and durable, making it suitable for use in concrete and road construction. On the other hand, the compressive strength of mortar-containing sandstone powders (SSP) up to 20% instead of cement there was no significant reduction in the compressive strength. So, it has been found that sandstone contributes to the decrease of cement consumption and can be considered a local economical material for non-structural concrete applications. The results indicate that there is a strong correlation relationship between the physical and strength properties of sandstone using regression models with statistical equations; it was found out that the sandstone aggregate has good engineering properties.