Hydric and mechanical properties assessment of basalts from Madeira island, Portugal
Hydric and mechanical properties assessment of basalts from Madeira island, Portugal
This investigation explores the influence of physical properties on capillarity and uniaxial compressive strength from 56 specimens of basalts from Madeira Island, Portugal. Three well differentiated basalt types belonging to the Upper (massive and vesicular basalt) and the Middle (altered massive basalt) Volcanics Complexes were studied. Water absorption coefficient by capillarity and uniaxial compressive strength were assessed as a function of real and apparent densities, total and open porosities, water absorption at atmospheric pressure and unit weight applying simple and multiple linear regressions to obtain reliable prediction models. Water absorption coefficient by capillarity equations show high correlation coefficients (R > 0.98). The proposed best equation is expressed as a function of water absorption at atmospheric pressure and apparent density. Meanwhile, the best fit for uniaxial compressive strength, given by apparent density, open porosity, and unit weight has a moderate correlation. While apparent density has a predominant statistical weight in the prediction of uniaxial compressive strength, open porosity has a minor contribution. Unsupervised clustering processes using principal component analysis identifies three well differentiated groups whose inner cohesion is intimately related to open porosity (very low to high porosity), pore size and type (fine intercrystalline and large vesicular pore type, respectively) and the natural weathering degree of basalts. Some results obtained in this research could be used as indicator parameters in geotechnical classifications to assist with fast decisions when using basalts as building materials or as a foundation in civil engineering construction.
N. Cueto; Jose Fernando Vieira De Sousa; J. P. S. Perneta; R. Meza; M. L. Pereira
18th European Conference on Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering (ECSMGE2024)
A - New developments on structural design
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