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Physical and mechanical characterization of phyllites and metagreywackes in central Portugal

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Abstract

This work defines the physical and mechanical characteristics of phyllites and metagreywackes belonging to a schist–greywacke complex in central Portugal. The index properties, point load strength, uniaxial compressive strength, slake durability and Schmidt rebound hardness were determined. In general, the metagreywackes gave a higher strength than phyllites with the same weathering degree. Possible correlations and estimation models were established and compared with the equations obtained by different researchers.

Résumé

Cet article présente les caractéristiques physiques et mécaniques des phyllites et métagrauwackes appartenant au “Complexe Schiste–Grauwacke” situé dans le centre du Portugal. Les indices géotechniques, l’indice de résistance entre pointes, la résistance à la compression simple, la durabilité et la dureté de rebond Schmidt ont été déterminés. En général, les métagrauwackes présentent une plus grande résistance que les phyllites ayant le même degré d’altération. Des corrélations possibles et des modèles d’estimation ont été développés et comparés aux équations obtenues par des différents chercheurs.

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Acknowledgments

The financial support provided by Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia and by Centro de Geociências of the University of Coimbra was essential for the execution of this study.

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  1. Department of Earth Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal

    Pedro Santarém Andrade & António Almeida Saraiva

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  1. Pedro Santarém Andrade
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  2. António Almeida Saraiva
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Correspondence to Pedro Santarém Andrade.

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Andrade, P.S., Saraiva, A.A. Physical and mechanical characterization of phyllites and metagreywackes in central Portugal. Bull Eng Geol Environ 69, 207–214 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10064-009-0251-9

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