Evaluation of Petrographic and Geomechanical Properties of Inzari Formation Rocks for Their Suitability as Building Materials in the Nizampur Basin, Pakistan

This study focuses on the petrographic and geomechanical properties of the Inzari Formation rocks in Tar Khel Village, District Swabi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, on their suitability as building materials for structures such as bridges, buildings, and roads. Five fresh samples from various areas of this formation were analyzed and identified as siliciclastic mudstone through petrographic analysis. The results of physical properties (water absorption, specific gravity, and porosity) and mechanical properties (unconfined compression strength, unconfined tensile strength, Schmidt hammer test, and shear strength) indicate the Inzari Formation rocks have unconfined compressive strengths ranging from 23 to 94 MPa, specific gravity values ≥2.78, and low porosity and water absorption values (<1%), suggesting their excellent potential as building materials. Comparatively, the unconfined compressive strength values of the Inzari Formation rocks are similar to those of the NikanaiGhar limestone, which averaged 93.348 MPa, further confirming their suitability for construction. Additionally, the low porosity values of the Inzari Formation rocks align with the porosity range of 0.31% to 0.41% reported in the NikanaiGhar limestone study. Based on these findings, the Inzari Formation rocks are appropriate for use as fine aggregate in concrete, asphalt, and other construction materials.