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On the geology and the geotechnical properties of pyroclastic flow deposits of the Colli Albani

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Abstract

This paper presents the results of an experimental investigation into the engineering geology properties of three pyroclastic deposits from the Colli Albani volcanic complex, typical of the subsoil of Rome (Italy). In their natural state, these materials are coarse-grained weak rocks, generally unsaturated in situ. The mechanical properties of the material are related to the geological origin of the deposits, their formation environment and mechanisms. These are also revealed by peculiar micro-structural features. A technical sheet for the description and classification of these deposits is proposed in the paper. The experimental investigation consisted mainly of identification and classification tests, one-dimensional compression and direct shear tests on saturated and dry samples. Due to their nature, non standard techniques had to be developed for sample preparation and testing. The main findings on compressibility, shear strength and creep properties of the materials are presented in the paper. Special attention is given to the definition of the failure envelope at relatively low confining stress and to the assessment of the influence of saturation on shear strength parameters.

Résumé

L’article présente les résultats de travaux expérimentaux relatifs aux propriétés géotechniques de trois dépôts pyroclastiques issus de la formation volcanique de Colli Albani, typique du sous-sol de Rome (Italie). A l’état naturel, ces matériaux sont des roches tendres à grain grossier, généralement non saturées in situ. Les propriétés mécaniques de ces matériaux doivent être mises en rapport avec l’origine géologique des dépôts, les contextes environnementaux et les processus de formation, ces derniers étant révélés par des caractéristiques micro-structurales particulières. Une fiche technique est proposée dans l’article pour la description et la classification de ce type de dépôt. Les travaux expérimentaux ont consisté principalement en des tests d’identification et de classification, des essais de compression simple et des essais de cisaillement direct sur des échantillons saturés ou secs. Du fait de la nature de ces matériaux, des techniques particulières ont dû être mises en œuvre pour la préparation des échantillons et les essais. Les principaux résultats relatifs à la compressibilité, la résistance au cisaillement et les caractéristiques de fluage de ces matériaux sont présentés dans l’article. Une attention particulière est donnée à la définition de la courbe de rupture sous relativement faible confinement et à l’évaluation de l’influence de la saturation sur les paramètres de résistance au cisaillement.

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Acknowledgments

The authors are grateful to Tatiana Rotonda of Roma La Sapienza and Marco Marinelli of Roma Tor Vergata, who made available the experimental set-up and their expertise on how to carry out elastic wave measurements and SEM analyses respectively. Francesca Bozzano and her group were the source of much valuable information on the geology of the Colli Albani. The authors also wish to thank the technical staff at Geoplanning S.r.l. for their help with the experimental work and Mr Tozzi, owner of I.MA.TER. quarry.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy

    Manuela Cecconi

  2. Geoplanning S.r.l., Rome, Italy

    Maurizio Scarapazzi

  3. Department of Civil Engineering, University of Roma Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy

    Giulia M. B. Viggiani

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  1. Manuela Cecconi
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  2. Maurizio Scarapazzi
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  3. Giulia M. B. Viggiani
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Correspondence to Manuela Cecconi.

Appendix

Appendix

Data sheet compiled in situ for the deposit of Pozzolanelle

Data sheet compiled in situ for the deposit of Conglomerato Giallo

Data sheet compiled in situ for the deposit of Pozzolana Nera

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Cecconi, M., Scarapazzi, M. & Viggiani, G.M.B. On the geology and the geotechnical properties of pyroclastic flow deposits of the Colli Albani. Bull Eng Geol Environ 69, 185–206 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10064-009-0250-x

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