The validity of limestone rocks belonging to the Pila Spi and Sinjar formations within the Bazian fold / Sulaymaniyah governorate for riprap purposes

The study aims to know some of the physical and mechanical properties of limestone rocks within the Pila Spi and Sinjar Formations at the southwestern limb of Bazian Fold within the Sulaymaniyah Governorate, in order to show their suitability as riprap stones. The tests showed that the values ​​of the dry density of these rocks ranged between (1.857-2.341) g/cm³, the water absorption rate ranged from (1.848-9.87)%, and the specific weight ranged from (2.167-2.255), and the values ​​of the chemical erosion ratio ranged between (8.9-29)%. After knowing the physical and mechanical properties of these limestone rocks and comparing them with the standard specifications of the riprap stones, it was found that these rocks are not suitable for riprap purposes in all the stations of the study area most of the stations of the study area.