PHYSICAL AND MECHANICAL QUALITIES OF THE ORTHOQUARTEITES OF THE PROVINCE OF BUENOS AIRES, THEIR UTILIZATION IN PUBLIC WORKS

The province of Buenos Aires produces more than 50 per cent of the stone aggregates used in construction in Argentina, especially the sandstone rocks coming from the extreme SE of the northern range of hills called Tandilia (Chapadmalal). The qualities of these rocks have been determined by means of detailed field and laboratory investigations that include physical, mechanical and microscopic tests, specific weight, absorption, simple compression, toughness, abrasion (Los Angles and B.S. tests), durability and bitumen adherence tests. Results show that the types of rock tested have a satisfactory performance when used in public works. /TRRL/