The use of cation packing index for characterizing the weathering degree of granitic rocks

The weathering state and weatherability of rocks are highly important for engineering geology projects and the use of rocks as building stones. The weathering state of rocks can be described by various chemical and petrographical weathering indices. To determine weathering state of a rock, considerable amount of chemical analyses is required. Weatherability of rocks depends on not only their mineral composition but also the number of cation replaceable with hydrogen in a mineral. In this study, the use of the k-value (cation packing index is defined as the number of cation in a mole) for characterizing the degree of weathering of granitic rocks is investigated. For the purpose of the study, the Kurtun granitic rocks are selected as the material of the study. The study contains three main stages and these are field investigations, laboratory studies and regression analyses. During the field studies, in-situ weathering descriptions and sampling are carried out. The samples are subjected to chemical and petrographic analyses and physical and mechanical tests. At the final stage of the study, a series of regression analyses between the cation packing index and other properties of the samples are performed. The results show that the k-value can be used as a weathering indicator. When compared with the other chemical weathering indices, the k-value can be used as a weathering index without chemical analyses, because it can be determined by mineralogical analyses. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.