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Multi-scale geological evaluation for quarrying activities in ophiolitic rocks: implications for asbestos-related legislation

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Abstract

This study illustrates the importance of undertaking a multi-scale geological approach when assessing ophiolites which may contain harmful asbestos. A case history from an active quarry in the Carinthia region of Austria is presented. The data obtained indicated four main zones within the heterogeneous rock mass. The study identified those horizons which could be used for commercial purposes, notably railway ballast and road sub-base. Extensive testing was undertaken which confirmed that asbestiform amphiboles were not present in the quarry. Attention is drawn to the ambiguities in current legislation regarding the presence of asbestos.

Résumé

Cette étude illustre la nécessité de mettre en œuvre une approche géologique multi-échelle pour évaluer le contenu en amiantes nocives dans un massif d’ophiolites. Une étude de cas provenant d’une carrière en activité dans la région de Carinthie en Autriche est présentée. Les données obtenues ont indiqué l’existence de quatre zones principales au sein du massif rocheux. L’étude a permis d’identifier les horizons qui pourraient être utilisés à des fins commerciales, notamment comme ballast de voie ferrée et couche de base de route. De nombreux tests ont été réalisés. Ils ont confirmé que les amphiboles asbestiformes n’existaient pas dans cette carrière. L’attention est attirée sur les ambiguïtés de la législation actuelle concernant la présence d’amiante.

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Acknowledgments

The staff of the MINERALS ABBAU GMBH Company are acknowledged for their kind cooperation. Many thanks in particular to: G. Moretti and W. Strasser for their collaboration and scientific suggestions; G. Santoro for support during and after our stay in the quarry area. F. Rossetti is thanked for suggestions on a previous version.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Dipartimento di Scienze, Università degli Studi Roma Tre, Viale Marconi 446, 00146, Rome, Italy

    Gianluca Vignaroli

  2. Istituto di Geologia Ambientale e Geoingegneria, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Area della Ricerca di Roma RM1 Montelibretti, Via Salaria km. 29, Monterotondo, 300, 00016, Rome, Italy

    Girolamo Belardi & Marcello Serracino

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  1. Gianluca Vignaroli
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  2. Girolamo Belardi
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  3. Marcello Serracino
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Correspondence to Gianluca Vignaroli.

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Vignaroli, G., Belardi, G. & Serracino, M. Multi-scale geological evaluation for quarrying activities in ophiolitic rocks: implications for asbestos-related legislation. Bull Eng Geol Environ 72, 285–302 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10064-013-0475-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10064-013-0475-6

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