The session focuses on the characterization and modeling of the mechanical behaviour of weak/soft and heterogeneous rocks and rock masses, i.e., rocks that, due to their intrinsic properties and/or to the effect of differential weathering or deformative processes, have mechanical strength and deformability that are particularly unfavorable or strongly heterogeneous. They include, among others, fault rocks, turbidites, flysches, complex geological units (e.g., Block-In-Matrix – BIM rocks and soils), salts and sulphates.
They represent a challenge in several geoengineering contexts, due to their low strength, high heterogeneity, high proneness to drastic weathering or fracturing processes, and to the fact that they can develop time-dependent and water-interaction-dependent deformations (e.g., creep, swelling, squeezing).
These peculiarities pose risks to the safety and longevity of geo-engineering projects, with specific problems in the case of underground infrastructures excavated for civil, mining or energetic purposes, and to the stability of natural slopes and seacliffs.
The session aims to collect contributions that integrate geological observations, investigation surveys, laboratory data and modeling of soft and heterogeneous rocks and rock masses to offer a fruitful discussion about the behaviour of these materials.