Resistance of Quartzite, Granodiorite, and Gabbronorite Aggregates to Freeze–Thaw Weathering of Concrete

The financial management of a construction project is contingent upon the cost of the recommended materials to be utilized. The use of locally available aggregates not only helps in reducing environmental impacts but also minimizes the cost of both small- and large-scale projects and completes them within the specified timeframe. This paper assesses the frost durability of quartzite, granodiorite, and gabbronorite source rock aggregates from mountainous regions of Northern Pakistan. Tests such as specific gravity, water absorption, soundness, Los Angeles abrasion, petrography, and rapid freeze–thaw (F–T) were performed on the three rock samples. Results indicated that all three rocks are promising in resisting freeze–thaw weathering when used as an aggregate, and their durability factor (DF) was substantially higher than the critical value of 60%. Quartzite, granodiorite, and gabbronorite exhibited a durability factor of 96.4%, 98.4%, and 98.7%, respectively. Moreover, gabbronorite specimens have shown lesser uniaxial compressive strength reduction as opposed to quartzite and granodiorite before and after freeze–thaw cycles subjection.