Scottish limestones: An investigation into the geotechnical properties of certain formations and their aggregate

The Carboniferous Limestones and the Dalradian Marbles have been quarried for various purposes. In North Ayrshire, there are more than twenty-five disused quarries once operated for local needs and in the Glasgow Area there are fortytwo disused quarries. However, in the Lugton District of South Glasgow two operating quarries are, namely, Trearne QNG 372 5333) and Old Mill (NG 391 524), which supply various sizes of quarry products and lime for industrial purposes. Near Blair Atholl there are four disused quarries and only one working quarry, Shier-Glas (NG 884 642), which has been operating for twenty five years and producing 50000 tons of product a year. The Torrin 2 Quarry (NG 584 201) in Isle of Skye has been providing (Durness) limestones for cladding, rough casting and for agricultural needs. The aim of the present study is to obtain geotechnical data on the Scottish Limestones concerned and to explain variations in geotechnical properties by examining their petrography and geochemistry.