Thermo-rock: influence of temperature on rock slope properties

Thermo-rock: influence of temperature on rock slope properties

Rock slope stability is closely linked with the mechanical properties of the rock slope mass. These properties are influenced by numerous factors including meteorological, thermal and hydrogeological. Even short-term temperature cycles caused by direct sunlight, together with water saturation cycles can change mechanical properties of rock slope surficial zone. To partially quantify these influences, we have carried out short-term experiments at a former quarry test site. Geotechnical instrumentation of partial blocks with crack meters, surface and microcracks deformation monitoring using strain gauges, geophysical ERT monitoring, subsurface temperature and humidity monitoring, and  IR camera surface temperature sensing were used during 24-hour monitoring campaigns. Additionally, surface hardness was repeatedly measured using Schmidthammer. Before and after monitoring campaigns, rock mass samples from different depths were collected, to perform basic geomechanical tests. Using these complex data, the influence of short-term temperature changes on the rock slope surficial layer properties were estimated.