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Effects of microfissures on the engineering properties of the marble at Wadi Lisb, Saudi Arabia

Effets des microfissures sur les caractéristiques géotechniques du marbre de Wadi Lisb, Arabie Saoudite

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Abstract

The marble at Wadi Lisb was investigated in detail in order to assess its engineering properties and to examine the effect of the microfissures on these properties.

The marble is white with some dark bands containing the microfissures and parallel to the regional foliation direction. The samples that are cut parallel to these dark bands have better physical and mechanical properties than those cut perpendicular to them. The general effect of the microfissures on Wadi Lisb marble is similar to their effect on Al Madrakah marble indicating a regional phenomenon.

During the quarrying operation, it is recommended to take the direction of the microfissures in consideration and to correct for any deviation during the slapping process.

Résumé

Le marbre de Wadi Slib est blanc, avec quelques bandes noires qui renferment des microfissures et qui sont parallèles à la direction régionale de foliation. Les éprouvettes découpées parallèlement a ces bandes noires ont des propriétés physiques et mécaniques meilleures que celles découpées perpendiculairement aux bandes. L'effet global des microfissures sur le marbre de Wadi. Lisb est similaire à celui observé sur le marbre de Al Madrakah, ce qui témoigne d'un phénomène régional.

Il est recommandé de relever les directions de microfissures lors des opérations sur carrière et d'opérer les corrections nécessaires en cas de déviations.

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Al-Lahyani, K., Shehata, W.M. & Sabtan, A.A. Effects of microfissures on the engineering properties of the marble at Wadi Lisb, Saudi Arabia. Bulletin of the International Association of Engineering Geology 52, 33–37 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02602679

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