Physicochemical and Mineralogical Study of Quartz Sandstones for Use as Fine Aggregates in Construction Materials, Quelluacocha Hamlet, Cajamarca - 2025

Portilla Castañeda M.R.; Salazar Abanto J.C.; Portal Estacio J.A. · Proceedings of the LACCEI international Multi-conference for Engineering, Education and Technology (2026) · DOI: 10.18687/laccei2026.1.1.1911

Resumen

This study evaluates the industrial potential of quartz sandstones from Quelluacocha, Cajamarca, through physicochemical and mineralogical characterization. Sieve analysis following ASTM C136, petrographic microscopy, and calcination tests were conducted to determine granulometric, textural, and chemical properties. The results indicate a predominant sandy fraction (66.40%) with a fineness modulus of 2.39, corresponding to medium sand. Mineralogical analysis revealed a high quartz content (72-76%) with mainly sub-angular grains, while chemical tests showed an average SiO2 content of 64.54%, exceeding minimum requirements for siliceous aggregates. Despite a fines content of 18.74%, slightly above ASTM C33 limits, the material exhibits adequate hardness, mechanical strength, and chemical stability. Therefore, these sandstones are considered suitable as fine aggregates with prior processing. Additionally, the dataset obtained may support future machine learning models to predict aggregate performance in construction materials.

Instituciones: Universidad Privada del Norte