General Scientific Researches, Vol(2), No (1), December, 2014. pp.

31-37

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Physicomechanical Characteristics of Charnockitic Rock of Akure,

Southwest Nigeria
Odunyemi Anthony Ademeso *
Department of Earth Sciences, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State, Nigeria.

Boluwaji Muraina Olaleye

Department of Mining Engineering, The Federal University of Technology,Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria.
*Corresponding author: tonyademeso@gmail.com

Keywords

Abstract

Charnockitic
Instron
Akure
Petrographic

Charnockitic rock is one of the varieties of crystalline rocks that dot the face of the earth. Its reputation for
aesthetics tends to impact a high economic value on it. This warrants more understanding of its petrographical,
physical and mechanical properties. Its field and petrographic relationship in Akure area has been reported but the
physico-mechanical characteristics have not enjoyed discuss and reportage. Its petro-physico-mechanical
characteristics were therefore studied so as to improve on the knowledge and understanding of the rock type in
general and that of Akure area in particular. The petrography of the photomicrographs of the thin sections were
analysed with the aid of ImageJ. Instron Universal Tester was used to determine the uniaxial compressive strength
(UCS) while Schmidt Rebound Hammer and Roclab software were used for the estimations of the UCS for validity,
reliability and reproducibility of results. The abrasion tester was used to determine the abrasion resistance (Ha)
while the aggregate impact value (AIV) apparatus was used for the aggregate impact value. The results showed that
mineralogically, the rock consisted of the following as major mineral: plagioclase, biotite, quartz, hypersthene,
hornblende, muscovite and orthoclase with the following respectively as modal composition: 32%, 16%, 16%,
16%, 11%, 4% and 3% while opaque minerals and zircon with 1% each are accessories. A value of 2.81g/cc was
determined as the density while the porosity, AIV and Ha were respectively 0.03, 11 and 33.40. The Youngs
Modulus was evaluated to be 10.40KN/mm. The values of UCS from Instron Universal Tester, Rebound Hammer
and Roclab were respectively 86MPa, 82MPa and 165MPa. Conclusively, the results of the petro-physicomechanical tests on the rock samples corroborated one another with an indication of high physical and mechanical
strength although the UCS was discovered to have been lowered by the observed microstructural characteristics.

1.

Introduction

The varieties of crystalline rocks found in and on the earth were formed by different processes, namely: (a) the crystallization and differentiation
of magma under varying conditions of temperature and pressure; (b) the remobilization and metasomatic replacement of minerals of pre-existing
rocks as a result of infiltration of highly mobile fluid or mineralized gas phase; and (c) metamorphism of pre-existing rocks as a result of
temperature and pressure changes. By implication therefore, a rock is expected to possess the fabric of the process that led to its formation. The
outlined processes produce various crystalline rock types (igneous and metamorphic) that are made up of different mineral suites with varying
textures and structures and are therefore bound to possess different physical and mechanical properties.
The charnockitic rocks of Akure are believed to be of igneous origin [1]; [2]. While [1] reported that the charnockitics and the associated granitic
rocks were contemporaneously emplaced, [2] posited based on field and petrographic observations that the charnockitic rocks are younger. The
charnockitic rocks have also been discovered to exhibit traits of deformation despite the igneous fabric presented in the field [3].
It is established that the mineralogy of a rock is one of the major factors that determine its strength characteristics [4] and therefore it serves as
one of the parameters that aid in the estimation of these characteristics. Microscopic study of rocks enables identification of micro-structures
which impose a pronounced effect on the strength and other properties of the rocks [5]. These factors (mineralogy and micro-structures)
elucidate why similar rock types from different tectonic or metamorphic terrains may exhibit different mechanical distinctiveness. A study of the
physical, mechanical and petrographic characteristics of the charnockitic rocks of Akure is therefore expected to further reveal the interaction of
the physical and mechanical parameters with the intrinsic petrographic uniqueness. The following tests are carried out to further this study: (i)
Physical characteristics which include Specific gravity/bulk density and porosity; (ii) mechanical characteristics which include aggregate impact
value (AIV), abrasion resistance (Ha), uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) and Youngs modulus; and (iii) petrographic characteristics.
The research work was carried out within longitudes 50081 and 50121 E and latitudes 70 161 and 70181N (Figure 1). [2] presented a model of the
field relationship of the rock types (which include the charnockitic rock under study) in the area (Figure 2).

2.

Methodology

[2][6] and [7] reported the method with which petrographic characteristics, abrasion resistance and specific gravity/bulk density as well as
porosity respectively were studied. The aggregate impact value (AIV) was studied in accordance with [8] standards while the uniaxial
compressive strength (UCS) was however studied using three different methods listed as follows: (i) indirect determination using Schmidt
rebound hammer in accordance with the [9] and [10] standards, (ii) direct determination with the aid of Instron Universal Tester 3369 (Instron)
in accordance with [11] standard and (iii) estimation with the use of Rocklab Program. The acquired UCS data (from the field and laboratory)
were processed and interpreted with the aid of the following: (i) table of field estimates of UCS [12]; (ii) graph relating density, rebound value
and UCS prepared by [13]; and (iii) suggested post failure characteristics (PFC) for different quality rock masses [14]. The PFC group rocks into
three categories with each having a characteristic stress/strain curve as follows: (a) very good quality hard rock mass which produces elasticbrittle characteristics; (b) average quality rock mass which exhibits strain-softening characteristics; and (c) very poor quality soft rock mass
which exhibits elastic-plastic characteristics. The Youngs modulus was evaluated using the stress/strain curve generated by the Instron while
carrying out the compression test. Since the Youngs modulus is the ratio of the axial stress change to axial strain change, a tangent is drawn to
the stress/strain curve and the gradient of the tangent evaluated. The evaluated gradient is the Youngs modulus.

Odunyemi Anthony Ademeso *, Boluwaji Muraina Olaleye

32

General Scientific Researches Vol(2), No (1), December, 2014.

7 020'

20

10
30

Ipogun

65

25

Oba

70 15'
60

60

KEY
Study areas

10

Aponmu

Akure

Charnockitic Metaintrusives
Coarse porphyritic biotite
and biotite hornblende
granite and granodiorite

60

Quartzites

Owena
15

Migmatite gneiss complex

Oda

10

20

5 00' E

35
30

70 10' N

Granite gneiss

50 05'

5 0 10'

25

Roads

5 0 15'

Kilometer 5

Figure 1. Geological Map of Akure Area showing study areas.

Adapted from the Geological Map of Nigeria (Geological Survey of Nigeria, 1974).

Ch
Ch

Ch

805500

805000
LEGEND
H

804500

M is migmatite
Ch is charnockitic rock
H is Hybrid rock
P is porphyritic granite

Ch

---

is rock contact
is rock outcrop

804000

Ch
Ch

Ch

Ch
H

H
Ch

Ch

803500
M

Ch
H

Ch

Ch

803000

Ch
M

H
Ch

Ch

H
H

H
M

802500

M
M

739000

739500
0m

740000

740500

500m

1000m

741000

Figure 2. Plots of outcrops locations in the study area (coordinates converted to UTM with Transfo and plotted in Surfer 8).
Note: Rock contacts are inferred.

3.

Results

The results of the various tests are presented as follow:

3.1 Mode of Occurrence, Field Characteristics and Petrography
Charnockitic rocks in the study area occur as small hills and pavement outcrops within the gneiss-migmatite-quartzite complex. The rock type is
massive, greenish in color and possesses medium to coarse grained texture. Pegmatite intrusions occur on the outcrops. Joint sets trending N-S,
E-W and NNE-SSW occur in the outcrops. Some of the E-W trending joints cut through some of the veins.
Plagioclase, biotite, quartz, hypersthene, hornblende, muscovite and orthoclase are the major minerals while opaque minerals (probably iron
oxide) and zircon are the accessories identified in the thin sections of the rock. The modal analysis of the thin sections of the rock gives 32%,
16%, 16%, 16%, 11%, 4%, 3%, 1% and 1% respectively.
Hornblende is brownish in color, ploechroic from reddish brown to light brown and its grains exhibit cleavage in one or two directions. The
hornblende is likely to be a secondary mineral.
Hypersthene is neutral to light green under plane polarised light and it is slightly pleochroic from light green to pale red. It possesses high relief
and cleavage in one direction. The grains carry a lot of cracks and displays birefringence with yellow to red interference colours. Biotite displays

33

Physicomechanical Characteristics of Charnockitic Rock of Akure, Southwest Nigeria

General Scientific Researches Vol(2), No (1), December, 2014.

brownish or greenish color in thin section and it is pleochroic from light brown to light green. It has high relief, flaky/lath-like form and cleavage
in one direction. Some of the flakes carry inclusions of zircon.
Quartz is colorless in thin section and some of the grains display cracks. Muscovite is tabular in appearance and possesses cleavage in one
direction. Some of the flakes show distorted cleavage and some carry inclusions of quartz and zircon.
The opaque minerals which are most likely alteration products, probably iron oxide, are in symplectic relationship with hornblende and biotite.
Generally, the minerals have irregular shapes and possess sutured edges in thin section. There is no evidence of weathering and virtually all
minerals possess micro-cracks and the plagioclase grains show bent twin lamellae and compressed twin plane (Figure 3).

(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

Figure 3. Photomicrographs of the charnockitic rock showing:

(a) Plagioclase displaying undulose extinction and distorted twinning,
quartz with undulose extinction, microcracks on hypersthenes and zircon as inclusion in biotite. CN.
(b) Hornblende, quartz and plagioclase exhibiting micro-cracks. PPL.
(c) Microcracks in almost all grains of minerals and plagioclase showing undulose extinction, deformed twinning as well as bent lamellae. CN.
(d) Hornblende, quartz and plagioclase exhibiting microcracks. CN. X40. Bar Scale: 3m.

3.2 Specific Gravity/Bulk Density

The specific gravity of the rock is 2.81 while the bulk density is 2.81g/cc (Table 1).
Table 1. Result of the determination of Specific gravity/Bulk Density.
Sample Code Specimen No

Ak007

Weight in air Weight in water Specific Gravity

B1
B2
B3

325.33
277.13
249.73

209.55
178.17
160.86

2.81
2.80
2.81

Av.Sp.Gravity Bulk Density Av. Bulk Density

(g/cc)
(g/cc)
2.81
2.81
2.80
2.81
2.81

3.3 Porosity
The average porosity of the rock is 0.03 implying that the porosity is very low. (Table 2).
Table 2. Result of the determination of Porosity
Sample Code Specimen No
WD
WS DF
(%)
Average (%)
B1
325.29 325.34 0.05
0.02
Ak007
B2
277.05 277.16 0.11
0.04
0.03
B3
249.62 249.72 0.10
0.04
Note: WD = Dry weight, WS = Soaked weight, DF = WS-WD, = Porosity

3.4 Abrasion Resistance

The average abrasion resistance of the rock is 33.40 (Table 3).
Table 3. Result of the determination of abrasion resistance.
Sample Code Specimen No

Ak007

B1
B2
B3
B4

Initial Weight Final Weight Average

325.29
277.07
249.67
243.59

324.36
276.13
248.75
242.69

324.83
276.60
249.21
243.14

Loss in Abrasion Resistance Average (Ha)

Weight
(Ha)
0.93
33.97
0.94
32.98
33.40
0.92
33.19
0.90
34.26

Odunyemi Anthony Ademeso *, Boluwaji Muraina Olaleye

34

General Scientific Researches Vol(2), No (1), December, 2014.

It should be noted that tests on specimens for the determination of specific gravity/bulk density, porosity and abrasion resistance were all carried
out at Camborne School of Mines, UK.
3.5 Aggregate Impact Value (AIV)
The average AIV value for the rock is 11.0% (Table 4).
Table 4. Determination of Aggregate Impact Value (AIV).

Sample Specimen Total code

No
mass (g) A
B1
331
Ak007 B2
298
B3
327

Passing
Retained on
2.36mm(g) B 2.36mm(g)
35
296
32
266
36
291

AIV=
B/A*100
11.0
10.7
11.0

Average
AIV(%)
11.0

3.6 Schmidt Rebound Value

The mean and adjusted mean of the rebound values are respectively 36.3 and 36.7 and the average of the estimated uniaxial compressive strength
(UCS) is 82MPa (Table 5).
Table 5. Conversion of rebound values of charnockitic rock (Ak007) to UCS using Deere and Miller (1966) Graph

S/No G.P.S. Reading

1
2
3
4
0050 08'53''E
5
070 17' 02''N
6
7
8
9
10

Rebound Values
32, 38, 35, 28, 40, 42, 38, 39, 40, 30
33, 44, 33, 29, 39, 45, 24, 34, 30, 40.
23, 32, 29, 36, 33, 40, 45, 39, 28, 44.
38, 40, 36, 39, 38, 27, 38, 26, 29, 40.
40, 38, 42, 42, 27, 39, 35, 38, 35, 45.
40, 42, 35, 27, 39, 44, 38, 32, 38, 33.
39, 39, 27, 35, 25, 27, 40, 35, 38, 45.
42, 39, 31, 24, 33, 40, 25, 29, 40, 44.
45, 33, 45, 39, 24, 33, 31, 24, 42, 30.
39, 28, 34, 44, 33, 42, 37, 37, 40, 36.

Mean
36
35
35
35
38
37
35
35
40
37

Adjusted Mean Density (g/cc) UCS (MPa) Average UCS

37
2.81
83
33
2.81
68
34
2.81
70
37
2.81
83
39
2.81
95
82MPa
38
2.81
86
38
2.81
86
36
2.81
77
37
2.81
83
38
2.81
86

3.7 Result of UCS test (Direct) using Instron 3369 Universal Tester
The results of the compression test were subjected to further checks to affirm the validity or otherwise of the results of the equipment. To
achieve this, the following checks were carried out:
(i) the result in the yield strength column of the table generated by the equipment in the course of the test (Table 6) was checked to know if
the yield point was attained before the test ended. Non-attainment of the yield point invalidates the test result or at best gives an idea that
the result would be lower than the actual; and
(ii) the stress/strain plot of the test of each specimen (Figure 4) is compared with the post failure characteristic (PFC) to know if it conforms
with the expected PFC of the rock concerned.
In the light of these therefore, the results were considered and the following were the outcome: The graphs of the 1 st, 2nd and 4th tests plot as
strain-softening and are therefore regarded as invalid. The graph of the 5 th test shows double yield as well as plotting as elastic-plastic and the
test is therefore not valid. The graph of the 3rd test plots as elastic-brittle and gives a result of 86MPa as the UCS for the rock. A general test run
on the specimens of different rock types (specimen of the charnockitic rock inclusive) was also carried out with this equipment and it gave a
result of 86MPa for the rock.
3.8 Youngs Modulus
Young's modulus= Stress change/Strain change .(1)
= 49.7/4.78=10.40KN/mm
3.9 Roclab Estimation of UCS
Roclab gives an estimate of 165MPa for the Charnockitic rock (Figure 5)
The UCS of the rock from Roclab is 165MPa; from rebound value, is 82MPa and from direct (Instron) measurement, is 86MPa. The Roclab
estimate is in agreement with estimate for rocks of similar characteritics by [12] and results determined for Nigerian charnockitic rocks by
[15] which places the rock in the very strong category but the actual values from direct determination and rebound conversion place it in
the strong category.

Figure 4. Instron 3369 generated graph during the determination of UCS of Charnockitic Rock (AK007).

35

Physicomechanical Characteristics of Charnockitic Rock of Akure, Southwest Nigeria

General Scientific Researches Vol(2), No (1), December, 2014.

Table 6. Instron 3369 generated table of UCS tests for charnockitic rock (Ak007)

Figure 5. Roclab estimation of the UCS of Charnockitic Rock (AK007)

Odunyemi Anthony Ademeso *, Boluwaji Muraina Olaleye

36

General Scientific Researches Vol(2), No (1), December, 2014.

4.

Discussion

The average specific gravity/average bulk density determined for the rock is 2.81/2.81g/cc (Table 1). This value is classified as very high in
accordance with [11] and it is observed that the percentage of minerals harder than 5 on the Mohs scale of hardness is very high (about
80%). Since there is a direct correlation between hardness and density, the very high percentage of hard minerals in the rock explains why
the specific gravity/bulk density is quite high and therefore the result is believed to be reliable.
The AIV value determined for the rock is 11 (Table 5). This result falls within the standard of not greater than 25% set for rocks that
qualify for use as aggregates in heavy duty concrete finishes [8]. [16] reported that compressive strength presented (i) a relatively strong
relationship with crushing/impact value of aggregates and (ii) a moderately strong relationship with L.A. abrasion value. Since it has been
established that the lower the AIV, the higher the values of the physical and mechanical characteristics of the rock [8]; [16], the rock is
expected by this value of AIV to have a very high physical and mechanical strength. The physical and mechanical characteristics, except the
UCS, determined for this rock gave very high values in accordance with this expectation. Even the Youngs modulus evaluated from the
stress/strain curve of the UCS determined using Instron 3369 is high (10.4KN/mm). The moderate value of UCS determined with direct
(Instron) method corroborated by the similar value determined with the rebound value conversion confirms the near accuracy of both
methods and that the results are considered reliable.
The determined average porosity value (0.03) for the rock is low in accordance with [11]. A report of strong correlation between L.A.
abrasion and point load as well as a stronger correlation between porosity and point load index especially when porosity values are less than
1% was presented in the year 2007 [17]. Therefore, considering the values of porosity, the specific gravity/bulk density, abrasion resistance
and the AIV, it is rational to conclude that these values are in order. The average value of abrasion resistance determined for the rock is 33.4
and this is relatively high. It is observed that the percentage of minerals harder than 5 on the Mohs scale is very high. This is an indication
that the higher the percentage of hard minerals, the higher the values of the physical and mechanical characteristics particularly the abrasion
resistance. It should be right therefore to conclude that the determined results for these parameters are reproducible. It is the result of the
UCS which deviates reasonably from the trend and this calls for explanation.
The UCS values determined with Instron for the rock is 86MPa, with Schmidt hammer is 82MPa and the estimated value from Roclab is
165MPa. Specific gravity/bulk density, porosity, abrasion resistance and AIV indicate a high UCS in relation to the discussion on the
different parameters above but the determined UCS falls into the strong class on the table of field estimates of uniaxial compressive
strength [12] which is lower than expected. [15] determined the UCS of some charnockites and placed them in the very strong class. It is
the estimated UCS using Roclab that can be regarded as high, tallying with the expected. The tally of the UCS determined by the direct
(Instron) method and that from rebound value conversion confirms the near accuracy of both methods and that the results are considered
reliable. The reason for the determined value falling below the expected needed to be critically examined. The high specific gravity/bulk
density (2.81) is an indication that the rock is densely packed and therefore expected to be hard and consequently possess high mechanical
strength. AIV of 11 is within the standard of not greater than 25% for heavy duty concrete floor finishes set by [18] and therefore the rock
falls in the class of rocks that are able to withstand high impact which is an indication of high mechanical strength. The Youngs modulus of
10.40KN/mm is high indicating that the UCS is supposed to be high. The massive nature of the outcrops with few joints and the textural
characteristics of equilibrium grain sizes and strong interlocking crystals are indications of very high mechanical strength. The major
minerals contained in the rock from the modal analysis are plagioclase feldspar - 32%; Quartz - 16%; hypersthenes - 16% and Hornblende
11% and these are hard minerals which support high mechanical strength. The idea of decrease in strength as a result of saturation as
concluded by [19] does not arise here as the porosity test shows that water content is so insignificant. In like manner, strength increase as a
result of confining pressure does not arise as a result of the very insignificant water content. [20] reported a slight underestimation by
Schmidt hammer at higher strengths (>150MPa) and since the UCS value from rebound conversion is less than the 150MPa boundary,
underestimation does not come into play here. [4] demonstrated that micro-structures and other petrographic characteristics have a strong
correlation with mechanical strength. The micro-structures particularly micro-cracks, cleavages, twinnings and grain boundaries are sources
and propagators of discontinuities in rocks particularly with the application of stress and therefore if they are significantly present in a rock
sample, they become a sources of weakness leading to reduction in mechanical strength [21]; [19] reported that micro-fracturing decreases
strength while [5] concluded that with the application of stress, crack is more easily propagated through the grains of feldspar than through
those of quartz. This is in line with the discovery of [23]. [5] further concluded that cracks are more easily propagated round the boundaries
of quartz grains rather than through the grains when stress is applied. By implication therefore, a rock which has higher relative abundance
of quartz is expected to display a higher physical and mechanical strength than the one with a higher relative abundance of feldspar. Since
the relative abundance of feldspar (35%) is significantly higher than that of quartz (16%) and the quantity of feldspar is significant compared
with the total abundance of the minerals in the rock, any form of stress that can propagate micro-cracks on the mineral will definitely reduce
the mechanical strength of the rock significantly. In addition to this is the fact that (i) hornblende which constitute 11% of the minerals in the
rock possess cleavages in one or two directions as seen in the slide (Figure 3) and as the quantity is significant, it may cause a reduction in
the mechanical strength. (ii) Plagioclase feldspar and hypersthene are twinned minerals (Figure 3) and they constitute 48% of the minerals in
the rock in terms of relative abundance and therefore can add to a reduction in the mechanical strength of the rock. (iii) Mica, a soft mineral,
constitutes about 16% of the minerals in the rock in terms of relative abundance and this may add to the reduction in the mechanical strength
of the rock.
If virtually all minerals in a rock possess signs of stress such as bent lamellae, distorted twinning, and micro-cracks, then it is expected that
the mechanical strength of the rock could be reduced considerably (Figure 3) particularly on the application of stress. [24] correlated the
mineralogical and textural characteristics with engineering properties of some granitic rocks from Turkey and concluded among others that
the influence of textural characteristics on the engineering properties appears to be more important than that of mineralogy. This therefore
seems to be the only plausible reasons for the lowering of the strength of the rock from 165MPa (Roclab estimate) to 86 and 82MPa
respectively by direct determination and rebound conversion.

5.

Conclusion

Conclusively, the significant reduction in strength as determined by direct determination with use of one of the most modern equipments, Instron
Universal Tester, corroborated with rebound conversion using the Schmidt rebound hammer must have been mainly as a result of the microstructures revealed by the petrography and the preponderance of minerals that are able to serve as source and propagators of the micro-structures.

37

Physicomechanical Characteristics of Charnockitic Rock of Akure, Southwest Nigeria

General Scientific Researches Vol(2), No (1), December, 2014.

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[15]
[16]
[17]
[18]
[19]
[20]
[21]
[22]
[23]
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