GEOMECHANICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF CALCITIC LIMESTONE FROM THE MONTES CLAROS REGION–MG FOR USE AS RAILWAY BALLAST: LABORATORY TESTS AND COMPLIANCE WITH NBR 5564
Abstract
Calcitic limestone is widely extracted in the northern region of Minas Gerais state and is already used as ballast material in sections of the Centro-Atlântica Railroad (FCA). However, the technical feasibility of this material for such purpose lacks systematic experimental evidence against current standards. This study aims to characterize the geomechanical properties of calcitic limestone from a quarry located in Montes Claros–MG, evaluating its compliance with the requirements of NBR 5564 (ABNT, 2014) for standard railway ballast. Eight laboratory tests were carried out: apparent specific gravity, apparent porosity, water absorption, Los Angeles Abrasion, uniaxial compressive strength, Schmidt hammer (Sclerometer), and Point Load Test, along with an observational analysis of particle shape and grain size distribution. Samples were collected from a DNPM-licensed quarry and tested at the laboratories of the Federal University of Viçosa and Univiçosa. Results showed that the material meets normative requirements for specific gravity (2,675 kg/m³), porosity (0.56%), and water absorption (0.21%), as well as a Los Angeles Abrasion index of 23%, within the limits of both NBR 5564 and European standard EN 13450. Conversely, the mean uniaxial compressive strength of 79.19 MPa was 21% below the minimum normative threshold of 100 MPa, indicating a mechanical limitation for applications under high axle loads. The results provide technical support for decisions regarding the use of regional sedimentary rocks in the railway infrastructure of northern Minas Gerais.
Author Biographies
PhD candidate in Civil Engineering, UFOP. Master's degree in Computational Modeling and Systems from the State University of Montes Claros (Unimontes). Holds a degree in Civil Engineering from the Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Northern Minas Gerais (2023) and in Pedagogy from the State University of Montes Claros (2016).
PhD in Mining, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering from the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Brazil (2023). Professor at the Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology, Brazil.
Civil Engineer from the Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Northern Minas Gerais (IFNMG), Pirapora Campus, Brazil.
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