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Bulletin of Engineering Geology and the Environment
Published in: Bulletin of Engineering Geology and the Environment 2/2017

05-08-2016 | Original Paper

Tectonic structures and commercial compartments in active quarrying: a case history from northern Italy

Authors: Gianluca Vignaroli, G. Urru, F. Rossetti, G. Belardi, L. Piaggi

Published in: Bulletin of Engineering Geology and the Environment | Issue 2/2017

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Abstract

By studying a quarried site exposed in the Ligurian Alps (northern Italy), this work aims to assess the impact of the tectonic structures on the exploitable rock volume characteristics/properties and, more in general, on the three-dimensional quarry architecture for its future exploitation. A field-based, multidisciplinary dataset has been integrated within a 3D geological model performed in a Geographical Information System (GIS) environment. The spatial distribution, geometry, and internal fabric of the main tectonic structures (mainly represented by faults and fracture networks) have been recognised as responsible for a structural compartmentalisation within the study area. In situ geomechanical measurements (uniaxial strength by using a Schmidt hammer) have been compared with distribution of the tectonic structures. A simulation of the influence of the tectonic structures on the rock mechanical behaviour has been performed in GIS. We conclude that occurrence of tectonic structures determines a first order degree in geodiversity at quarried sites, influencing both intrinsic (lithology and petrography) and secondary (mechanical) properties of the excavated rock volume. Consequently, understanding and reconstructing the deformation style and intensity of the tectonic setting constitute a further geological exploration criterion for assessing strategy of rock excavation and exploitation. The identification of tectonic structures is relevant to face frequently documented problems in active quarrying, such as mass movement and slope failure, reduced rock-mass quality, or non-exploitable quarry domains.
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Metadata
Title
Tectonic structures and commercial compartments in active quarrying: a case history from northern Italy
Authors
Gianluca Vignaroli
G. Urru
F. Rossetti
G. Belardi
L. Piaggi
Publication date
05-08-2016
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
Bulletin of Engineering Geology and the Environment / Issue 2/2017
Print ISSN: 1435-9529
Electronic ISSN: 1435-9537
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10064-016-0925-z

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