The physical-mechanical behaviour of the weathered San Giacomo granite, Sardinia, has been investigated using a combination of physical-mechanical tests and microstructural analysis. Fieldwork and microscopy suggest a pervasive microfracture system developed on a pre-existing magmatic quartz anisotropy. Alteration indices, chemical analyses and mineralogy indicate that the yellow staining is produced by the circulation of oxygen-rich rainwater through microfractures in the rock, resulting in the oxidation of biotites. Apart from the obvious modification of the original grey colouring, the precipitation of Fe-oxides and hydroxides has welded fractures together, leading to the partial recovery of the physical-mechanical properties previously compromised due to microfracturing. © 2012 Springer-Verlag.

Can weathering improve the toughness of a fractured rock? A case study using the San Giacomo Granite / Cuccuru, S; Oggiano, Giacomo; Casini, Leonardo; Cherchi, Gp. - In: BULLETIN OF ENGINEERING GEOLOGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT. - ISSN 1435-9529. - 71:3(2012), pp. 557-567. [10.1007/s10064-012-0416-9]

Can weathering improve the toughness of a fractured rock? A case study using the San Giacomo Granite

Cuccuru, S;OGGIANO, Giacomo;CASINI, Leonardo;
2012-01-01

Abstract

The physical-mechanical behaviour of the weathered San Giacomo granite, Sardinia, has been investigated using a combination of physical-mechanical tests and microstructural analysis. Fieldwork and microscopy suggest a pervasive microfracture system developed on a pre-existing magmatic quartz anisotropy. Alteration indices, chemical analyses and mineralogy indicate that the yellow staining is produced by the circulation of oxygen-rich rainwater through microfractures in the rock, resulting in the oxidation of biotites. Apart from the obvious modification of the original grey colouring, the precipitation of Fe-oxides and hydroxides has welded fractures together, leading to the partial recovery of the physical-mechanical properties previously compromised due to microfracturing. © 2012 Springer-Verlag.
2012
Can weathering improve the toughness of a fractured rock? A case study using the San Giacomo Granite / Cuccuru, S; Oggiano, Giacomo; Casini, Leonardo; Cherchi, Gp. - In: BULLETIN OF ENGINEERING GEOLOGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT. - ISSN 1435-9529. - 71:3(2012), pp. 557-567. [10.1007/s10064-012-0416-9]
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11388/156595
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