Relationship between petrography and geomechanical properties of the sandstone: A case study from Wadi Halfa, North Sudan

Abstract

The investigation of the effect of petrography and diagenetic features on the geomechanical properties of the sandstone and their relationship to rock failure are of vital importance for different construction projects. The present study involves analyzing multi-vertical lithofacies profiles around the region of Wadi Halfa, North Sudan. The sandstone is dominantly composed of monocrystalline quartz grains (60%) accompanied by some polycrystalline quartz, feldspars, lithic fragments, micas, and heavy minerals. Iron oxides are the main type of cementing materials (14%), with some (2%) of carbonates and clay minerals. The average porosity of all studied samples is 12%. The compressive strength ranges widely, influenced by weathering, grain size, cementing materials, and bedding planes. The uniaxial compressive strength is more influenced by wetting when the load is parallel to bedding planes. Sandstone anisotropy is suggested by a U-shaped curve, with lower values at 45° and higher values at 90° and 0°. The geomechanical behavior of rocks masses in Wadi Halfa was evaluated through a combination of field and laboratory analyses which revealed a variable Rock Mass Rating (RMR) ranging from 58 to 92 and a Geological Strength Index (GSI) ranging from 33 to 61.