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Calcite significance for reservoir site

Short answer

Calcite dissolves in acidic water, forming karst cavities and channels that can cause severe reservoir leakage and foundation instability. Reservoirs should avoid limestone areas or require costly grouting and treatment. However, calcite-rich limestone is useful for cement production.

Mention the civil engineering significance of calcite with respect to reservoir site selection.

Calcite (CaCO3CaCO_3) is the main mineral of limestone and marble. It is soft (hardness 3) and soluble in water containing carbon dioxide.

  • Water slowly dissolves calcite along joints and bedding to form solution cavities, caves and karst channels.
  • At a reservoir, these openings cause heavy leakage and seepage from the reservoir, loss of stored water and possible failure of the dam foundation.
  • Sinkholes and collapse of cavities may endanger the dam and abutments.
  • Therefore, reservoirs should be avoided in or near calcite-rich limestone (karst) areas, or the site needs extensive grouting, cut-off walls and treatment of cavities, which increases cost.
  • On the positive side, calcite-rich limestone near the project is a source of cement raw material and aggregate.

✓ Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort)

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