Sand is a common construction material used for various purposes, e.g., concrete, mortar, render, screed, and asphalt. The usage depends on its fineness, and its fineness is controlled by its mineralogical composition and physical-mechanical properties. This research aims to determine the chemical and mineralogical composition and the physical-mechanical properties of the Dasht-e-Taatrang Zar sand deposits within the Qarabagh and Bagram districts of Kabul and Parwan provinces in Afghanistan. To achieve the objectives of this research, a review of the existing literature has been combined with new extensive field works for macroscopic studies and sample collection, and laboratory analyses. In total, 23 samples during two phases of field works were collected and subjected to lab works for XRF, Schlich, and XRD analysis to determine the chemical and mineralogical composition; moreover, sieve and Atterberg analysis, specific gravity, soundness, and alkali-silica reaction tests were performed for characterization of the physical-mechanical properties of the studied samples. The results of the tests show that the Taatrang Zar sand deposits are considered as a suitable construction material, and due to their simple accessibility, the deposits have high potential as a construction material supplier for the Kabul new city project (Dehsabz) in Kabul and adjacent Parwan and Kapisa provinces.
Long-term brine impacted fly ash. Part 1: chemical and mineralogical composition of the ash residues
