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Abstract

Weathering profiles of gneissic rocks in tropical and temperate climates are here compared and represent a most relevant concern for geotechnical engineering. The understanding of the physico-chemical weathering processes is very important for an adequate interpretation of the geotechnical behaviour of those materials. The weathering profile of the Massiac gneiss developed in a temperate climate, is described in relation to its mineralogical and textural changes, as well as the characterization of the main index tests and geotechnical parameters as strength and deformability. The relevance of anisotropy in the different weathering grades is evaluated.

Résumé

Un profil d’altération de roches gneissiques en climat tempéré est décrit et comparé à des profils en climat tropical. La compréhension des processus d’altération physico-chimique est importante pour interpréter le comportement géotechnique de ces matériaux. Le profil d’altération du gneiss de Massiac est décrit par les modifications minéralogiques et texturales, et par des essais d’identification et des paramètres géotechniques tels que la résistance et la déformabilité. L’importance de l’anisotropie aux différents stades d’altération est soulignée.

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Dobereiner, L., Durville, JL. & Restitutito, J. Weathering of the massiac gneiss (massif central, France). Bulletin of the International Association of Engineering Geology 47, 79–96 (1993). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02639596

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