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Physical and mechanical properties of rock masses at Stromboli: a dataset for volcano instability evaluation

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Abstract

Stromboli island has a complex geological history with repeated changes in the volcanic activity alternating with destructive events, caldera collapses and flank landslides. The last activity resulted in the creation of the Sciara del Fuoco depression which was modified by the recent 2002–2003 landslide. The variation in lithology, degree of tectonization and disturbance has resulted in the presence of a wide spectrum of geotechnical materials. This paper summarises the physical and mechanical properties of Stromboli’s intact rocks, rock masses and loose deposits, based on field surveys and laboratory tests. A new classification of the rock succession is introduced and four lithotechnical units defined: Lava, Lava-Breccia, Breccia and Pyroclastic deposit. The range of variability in bulk volume, porosity, intact rock compressive strength and geological strength index is presented. The Hoek and Brown’s failure criterion was applied for each lithotechnical unit and the rock mass friction angle, apparent cohesion, tensile and compressive strength, global strength and modulus of deformation calculated in a specified stress range.

Résumé

L’histoire géologique de l’île du Stromboli est complexe, avec une activité volcanique ayant donné lieu à des événements destructeurs, des effondrements de caldeiras et des glissements des flancs du volcan. La dernière période d’activité a eu pour conséquence la formation de la dépression de la Sciara del Fuoco, qui fut modifiée par le récent glissement de 2002–2003. La nature lithologique complexe du site, le degré de tectonisation et les remaniements des matériaux expliquent la diversité des propriétés géotechniques des matériaux présents. Cet article synthétise les propriétés physiques et mécaniques des roches intactes du Stromboli, des masses rocheuses et des dépôts meubles, à partir de prospections de terrain et d’essais de laboratoire. Une nouvelle classification des roches présentes sur ce site est introduite et quatre unités lithologiques sont définies: les laves, les laves-brèches, les brèches, les pyroclastites. Les domaines de variation des paramètres: densité, porosité, résistance à la compression simple et GSI - indice de résistance géologique sont présentés. Le critère de rupture de Hoek et Brown a été appliqué pour chaque unité lithologique et les paramètres relatifs à la masse rocheuse: angle de frottement, cohésion apparente, résistance à la traction et à la compression, résistance globale et module de déformation ont été calculés pour un domaine de contrainte particulier.

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Acknowledgements

The research was supported by Gruppo Nazionale per la Vulcanologia—INGV (Italy) and FIRB-MIUR 2001. It is a contribution to the UNESCO-IUGS-IGCP project 455 “Effects of basement structural and stratigraphic heritage on volcano behaviour and implications for human activities”.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra “A. Desio”, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy

    Tiziana Apuani

  2. Dipartimento di Scienze Geologiche e Geotecnologie, Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca, Milano, Italy

    Claudia Corazzato, Andrea Cancelli & Alessandro Tibaldi

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  1. Tiziana Apuani
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  2. Claudia Corazzato
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  3. Andrea Cancelli
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  4. Alessandro Tibaldi
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Correspondence to Tiziana Apuani.

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Apuani, T., Corazzato, C., Cancelli, A. et al. Physical and mechanical properties of rock masses at Stromboli: a dataset for volcano instability evaluation. Bull Eng Geol Environ 64, 419–431 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10064-005-0007-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10064-005-0007-0

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