Vertical and inclined soil nails under footings as settlement &ndash / reducing elements is investigated using a physical 1g model in the laboratory. Nails are not connected to footing, they are not so long and vertical settlement of nails is very large compared to usual limits encountered for piles or micropiles. Following the settlement of footing, they share the load together with the footing. The skin friction is mostly mobilized and end-bearing failure occurs continuously during the settlement. The system of footing- soil nail is studied by model square footings of 30 mm x 30 mm and 50 mm x 50 mm breadth dimensions and remoulded kaolin clay consolidated under constant controlled stress of 50 kPa in 200 mm cube boxes. In the first section of the testing series 4, 5, 9 and 12 nails were inserted into soil in 3B, 2.4B, 1.33B and B lengths, respectively. In the second section, 4 and 6 nails in 1.5B and 2B lengths were tested for vertical and 15 degrees and 30 degrees inclined cases. Settlements of footings were measured under constant footing pressure for all groups. Several tests were repeated in each group of testing series. It is concluded that keeping the total nail length constant, decreasing the nail number thus using longer individual nails is more effective in decreasing the footing settlements. 15 degrees inclined nails decrease total settlements more.

The purpose of this study is to assess the engineering geological and geotechnical characteristics and to perform seismic hazard studies of the Upper Pliocene and Quaternary deposits located towards the west of Ankara. Based on a general engineering geological and seismic characterization of the site, site classification systems are assigned for seismic hazard assessment studies. The objective of the research is to determine the regional and local seismic soil conditions, predominant periods and ground amplifications, and to idealize the soil profile of the sites by the aid of surface geophysical methods. These studies are combined and integrated with the geotechnical database from a variety of in-situ and laboratory studies that are compiled from present and previous studies regarding the project area and then transferred to an analytical environment for creating relevant information for our site. Then, engineering geological and geotechnical seismic characterization along with seismic zoning map preperation is accomplished. Finally, based on a general engineering geological and geotechnical site characterization, site classification systems are assigned to account for site effects in seismic hazard assessments along with the assessment of mitigation and remediation of seismic hazards.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-05-17T16:51:33Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2015-09-11. Added 1 bitstream(s) on 2016-05-17T16:55:15Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 000864274.pdf: 16518968 bytes, checksum: 8c17793d4b4a225ab5a617224996d0f9 (MD5) / A área adotada para realização do estudo é o Parque Estadual do Juquery, localizado no município de Franco da Rocha, na Região Metropolitana de São Paulo, em uma região com histórico de inundação, deslizamento, e principalmente, processos erosivos. Em 2011, o município de Franco da Rocha ficou isolado devido à inundação do Rio Juqueri (limite norte da área objeto de pesquisa) e aos deslizamentos que bloquearam os acessos ao município. O estudo tem como objetivo realizar o mapeamento geológico-geotécnico, em escala 1:20.000, associado a caracterização das unidades identificadas, bem como, a avaliação das unidades em relação à suscetibilidade à processos erosivos e processos de escorregamentos. Desta forma, a pesquisa visa fornecer subsídio para o desenvolvimento de instrumentos de gestão ambiental, uma vez que o plano de manejo está em fase de contratação e a caracterização do meio físico é fundamental para sua elaboração de forma adequada. A longo prazo, se espera a redução dos impactos associados à processos geológicos, e consequentemente, a redução dos esforços e recursos gastos pelo poder público para atender a situações emergenciais. O método para caracterização geológico-geotécnica se baseia na técnica de análise fisiográfica integrada, que é sustentada por pesquisa bibliográfica, observação e interpretação de imagens aerofotogramétricas (fotoanálise), correlação de produtos de modelo numérico de terreno, e trabalho de campo. Com a finalidade de analisar e comparar o uso e ocupação do solo nos anos de 1977 e 2010/2011, foi realizada a compartimentação da área do parque em 5 unidades de interesse, utilizando técnicas de fotointerpretação e classificação manual. Para a avaliação de suscetibilidade das unidades foi adotado o método de análise gráfica, que é fundamentado na análise combinatória das variáveis de interesse. O mapeamento realizado subdividiu... / The chosen area for this research is the Juquery State Park, located at Franco da Rocha municipality in São Paulo Metropolitan Region, in a region with historical flood, slip, and mainly erosive process. In 2011, the Franco da Rocha city was isolated due to flooding of Juqueri River (northern limit of the research subject area) and landslides blocked the city access. The study proposes do a geological and geotechnical mapping in scale 1: 20.000, associated with characterization of the identified units, as well as the evaluation of units in relation to susceptibility to erosion and landslides processes. Thus, the survey aims to provide subsidies for development of environmental management tools, once the management plan is in contracting stage, the characterization of physical environment is important for their development appropriately. In the long term, it is expected reduce impacts of geological processes, and consequently the reduction of efforts and resources spent by the government to answer emergencies. The method for geological and geotechnical characterization is based on the technique of integrated physiographic analysis, which is supported by literature, observation and interpretation of aerophotogrametric images (photoanalysis), correlation of numerical model products of land, land field work. In order to analyze and compare the use and occupation of land in 1977 and 2010/2011, the partitioning of the park area was held on 5 units of interest, using techniques photo interpretation and manual classification. To evaluate the susceptibility of units was adopted graphical analysis method, which is based on a combinatorial analysis of interest variables. The mapping subdivided the area in six geological and geotechnical units. Consolidation, characterization and distribution of the units are presented in the geological and geotechnical map, which contains summary table with characteristics of mapped drives, and the chips that...

This thesis presents the results of research undertaken in the south Cotswolds. Emphasis is placed on the engineering geological aspects of planning and construction on hillslopes, many of which have been superficially disturbed by cambering and landslipping. Special attention is paid to the geotechnical properties of the mudstone/clay horizons of the Fuller’s Earth and the Rhaetic, with emphasis on a study of the residual shear strength parameters. During the examination of numerous gulls in the Blue Lias at Radstock, a simple classification scheme was devised for the various extension styles produced in the interbedded limestone and clay sequence. The engineering significance of these phenomena is discussed. At Radstock cambering has taken place over the Rhaetic, especially the highly plastic Cotham Beds; these horizons have been investigated at this and other localities. Superficial structures are not well depicted on conventional geological maps. An attempt is made to determine to what extent they may be identified by engineering geomorphological mapping. Only disturbances which rupture the ground surface are clearly discernible and hence reliably depicted by this type of mapping; moreover it is shown that land use can obscure evidence of past instability. Engineering geomorphological mapping has been used as a preliminary study in the realignment of the A46 north of Bath. The proposed routes are discussed and some of the potential problems highlighted. It is demonstrated that false colour infra-red photography can be of considerable use in helping to identify areas of ground disturbance. A study of the geotechnical properties of the Fuller’s Earth shows an increase in “clay fraction”, expanding lattice clay minerals, plasticity and oxidation as weathering proceeds, with a corresponding drop in shear strength, bulk unit weight and calcite percentage. The presence of thin limestone bands modifies this profile. Calcite is found to have a significant effect on the plasticity of the Fuller’s Earth. The use of the Bromhead ring shear apparatus to determine residual strength has enabled many samples to be tested at normal loads up to 600 kPa; a number of advantages over the conventional shear box are discussed. The parameter φ’r is found to be stress dependent and as a result previously published correlations with other data are critically assessed and the choice of φ’r in engineering practice is considered.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:26:11Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2012-09-18Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T18:54:13Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 rodrigues_fh_me_rcla.pdf: 4551941 bytes, checksum: 6bcefcebfae0308e99172e3c958ee8f1 (MD5) / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) / O mapeamento geológico-geotécnico tem se revelado um instrumento muito útil para o planejamento e gestão do meio físico, fornecendo informações importantes na prevenção de desastres naturais, e na tomada de decisões. Como observado em regiões da Serra do Mar, nos estados de São Paulo e Rio de Janeiro, vários pontos inseridos em área suscetíveis a ocorrência de deslizamentos de terra, quedas de blocos rochosos e inundações, têm sido ocupadas com diversas finalidades, levando a impactos negativos, decorrentes do processo de apropriação inadequada do terreno. Nesse sentido, o presente trabalho tem como objetivo a elaboração de um mapa geológico-geotécnico da estrada de Castelhanos, no município de Ilhabela, São Paulo. A metodologia adotada focou a análise integrada dos elementos do meio físico a partir de técnicas de fotogeologia e trabalhos de campo, buscando identificar, descrever e classificar as diferentes unidades fisiográficas do relevo na área de estudo. Baseado nas informações dos compartimentos do relevo, das litologias e perfis de alteração, o mapeamento identificou e descreveu 6 unidades geológico-geotécnicas, abrangendo as bacias hidrográficas em que a estrada de Castelhanos está localizada, o que viabilizou a elaboração do diagnóstico de situação da referida estrada com sua divisão em 8 trechos diagnósticos. Os resultados foram organizados a fim de auxiliar as atividades de manejo e conservação do Parque Estadual de Ilhabela, e são apresentados na forma de mapas, quadros descritivos, fotografias e croquis geotécnicos / The geological-geotechnical mapping has proved to be a very useful tool for physical environment planning and management, providing important information for natural disasters prevention and decision-making. As noted in Serra do Mar areas, in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro states, several points in landslide, falling boulders and flooding susceptibility areas, have been occupied for various purposes, leading to negative impacts, arising from the misappropriation of land. In this sense, this paper aims to draw up a geological-geotechnical map of the Castelhanos Road, located in Ilhabela city, state of Sao Paulo, Brazil. The methodology focused on the integrated analysis of the physical environment elements by using photogeology techniques and field work, seeking to identify, describe and classify the different physiographic units of the relief in the study area. Based on information from relief compartment, lithology and alteration profiles, the mapping has identified and described six geological-geotechnical units covering watersheds where the Caselhanos Road is located, which enabled the development of the road diagnostic status, divided into eight diagnostic sections. The results were organized to assist the management and conservation activities at Ilhabela State Park, and they are presented as maps, descriptive tables, photographs and geotechnical sketches

Submitted by Hermes Dias Brito null (hermesdiasbrito@gmail.com) on 2017-01-31T19:13:05Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertação de Mestrado - Com Ficha Catalográfica Com Resultado APROVADO.pdf: 22594453 bytes, checksum: 22369cef94e96dfba0f49e3648bd4d46 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Juliano Benedito Ferreira (julianoferreira@reitoria.unesp.br) on 2017-02-03T15:39:23Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 brito_hd_me_rcla.pdf: 22594453 bytes, checksum: 22369cef94e96dfba0f49e3648bd4d46 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-02-03T15:39:23Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 brito_hd_me_rcla.pdf: 22594453 bytes, checksum: 22369cef94e96dfba0f49e3648bd4d46 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-12-07 / O desenvolvimento tecnológico e a implantação de Centrais de Tratamento de Resíduos Sólidos (CTRSs), incluindo aterros sanitários, podem conduzir a soluções favoráveis ao processo de tratamento e recuperação de resíduos sólidos urbanos e disposição final de rejeitos. Estas instalações podem agrupar diversas tecnologias em um único sistema, cujo funcionamento leva à economia de energia e redução de gastos com transporte, o que pode redundar em um balanço energético positivo. Todavia, se mal planejada, a implantação e funcionamento das CTRSs podem causar impactos ambientais negativos aos recursos hídricos, ar atmosférico e à saúde dos seres vivos, em particular da população humana. Por isso, as fases de planejamento e implantação devem estar em consonância com o processo de Avaliação de Impacto Ambiental, sendo indispensável a realização de estudos para a seleção de áreas ambientalmente compatíveis com o seu funcionamento. Este trabalho tem como objetivo apresentar e discutir o desenvolvimento de um mapeamento geoambiental voltado à seleção adequada de áreas para a implantação de CTRSs, tendo como foco de aplicação o pequeno município paulista de Santa Cruz da Conceição, que apresenta expressiva inconformidade ambiental em relação à gestão dos resíduos sólidos e destinação final dos rejeitos; em torno dele, num raio de 100 km, vive uma população de cerca de 7,4 milhões de pessoas. A integração de informações obtidas com o levantamento bibliográfico efetuado, a geração de banco de dados (incluindo fatores físicos, biológicos e sócio-econômicos) e a análise multicriterial em ambiente SIG conduziram à elaboração do referido mapeamento. Este teve como base fundamental estudo prévio de compartimentação fisiográfica da região do município, levando-se em conta principalmente os aspectos de permeabilidade, resistência a erosão e estabilidade a movimentos gravitacionais, que foram integrados com dados de fragmentos de vegetação, declividade, áreas de gerenciamento de risco aviário de aeródromos regionais, informações do plano diretor municipal e normas técnicas e legais. Entre os resultados obtidos com o trabalho, destaca-se, centralmente, a definição de áreas propícias à implantação de CTRSs, incluindo incineradores, e de aterros sanitários em valas e em camadas. Áreas incompatíveis para estas ações também foram reconhecidas. Este estudo oferece elementos para discussões e tomadas de decisão ligadas ao processo de implantação de Centrais de Tratamento de Resíduos e empreendimentos a elas associados, sendo aplicável a outros municípios brasileiros. É, portanto, contribuição para a estruturação de um ordenamento territorial sustentável. / Technological development and Solid Waste Treatment Plants (SWTPs), including landfills, may lead to good solutions to the process of treatment and recovery of urban solid waste. These facilities can group various technologies into a single system, whose operation leads to energy savings and reduction of transportation costs, which may result in a positive energy balance. However, if not properly planned, the setting up and operation of SWTPs can cause negative environmental impacts to water resources, atmospheric air and the health of living beings, in particular the human population. Therefore, the phases of planning and setting up of a SWTP should be in line with the process of Environmental Impact Assessment, and it is essential to carry out studies for the selection of environmentally compatible areas of functioning. This study presents and discusses the development of a geo-environmental mapping focused on the proper selection of areas for the implementation of SWTPs, with the application focus on the municipality of Santa Cruz da Conceição, a small town in the state of São Paulo, which presents significant environmental nonconformity in relation to management solid waste and disposal of waste; around it, within a radius of 100 km, lives a population of about 7.4 million people. The integration of information obtained from the literature performed, the generation of database (including physical, biological and socio-economic elements) and multi-criteria analysis in GIS environment led to the preparation of this mapping. This work had as fundamental element a previously established physiographic subdivision of the area, and took into account mainly the aspects of permeability, erosion resistance and stability to gravitational movements; these parameters have been integrated with information on fragments of vegetation, declivity, poultry risk management areas in regional aerodromes, information on director municipal plan, and legal and technical standards. Among the results obtained from this work, there is, centrally, the definition of areas for setting up a SWTP, including incinerators and landfills (in ditches and in layers). Incompatible areas for these actions were also recognized. This study provides elements for discussion and decision-making related to the implementation process of waste treatment plants and projects associated with them, being applicable to other municipalities. It is therefore contributing to the structuring of a sustainable land use.

Orientador: José Eduardo Zaine / Banca: George Luiz Luvizotto / Banca: Marcio Roberto Magalhães de Andrade / Resumo: O mapeamento geológico-geotécnico tem se revelado um instrumento muito útil para o planejamento e gestão do meio físico, fornecendo informações importantes na prevenção de desastres naturais, e na tomada de decisões. Como observado em regiões da Serra do Mar, nos estados de São Paulo e Rio de Janeiro, vários pontos inseridos em área suscetíveis a ocorrência de deslizamentos de terra, quedas de blocos rochosos e inundações, têm sido ocupadas com diversas finalidades, levando a impactos negativos, decorrentes do processo de apropriação inadequada do terreno. Nesse sentido, o presente trabalho tem como objetivo a elaboração de um mapa geológico-geotécnico da estrada de Castelhanos, no município de Ilhabela, São Paulo. A metodologia adotada focou a análise integrada dos elementos do meio físico a partir de técnicas de fotogeologia e trabalhos de campo, buscando identificar, descrever e classificar as diferentes unidades fisiográficas do relevo na área de estudo. Baseado nas informações dos compartimentos do relevo, das litologias e perfis de alteração, o mapeamento identificou e descreveu 6 unidades geológico-geotécnicas, abrangendo as bacias hidrográficas em que a estrada de Castelhanos está localizada, o que viabilizou a elaboração do diagnóstico de situação da referida estrada com sua divisão em 8 trechos diagnósticos. Os resultados foram organizados a fim de auxiliar as atividades de manejo e conservação do Parque Estadual de Ilhabela, e são apresentados na forma de mapas, quadros descritivos, fotografias e croquis geotécnicos / Abstract: The geological-geotechnical mapping has proved to be a very useful tool for physical environment planning and management, providing important information for natural disasters prevention and decision-making. As noted in Serra do Mar areas, in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro states, several points in landslide, falling boulders and flooding susceptibility areas, have been occupied for various purposes, leading to negative impacts, arising from the misappropriation of land. In this sense, this paper aims to draw up a geological-geotechnical map of the Castelhanos Road, located in Ilhabela city, state of Sao Paulo, Brazil. The methodology focused on the integrated analysis of the physical environment elements by using photogeology techniques and field work, seeking to identify, describe and classify the different physiographic units of the relief in the study area. Based on information from relief compartment, lithology and alteration profiles, the mapping has identified and described six geological-geotechnical units covering watersheds where the Caselhanos Road is located, which enabled the development of the road diagnostic status, divided into eight diagnostic sections. The results were organized to assist the management and conservation activities at Ilhabela State Park, and they are presented as maps, descriptive tables, photographs and geotechnical sketches / Mestre

Orientador: José Eduardo Zaine / Banca: Antônio Roberto Saad / Banca: Alessandra Cristina Corsi / Resumo: A área adotada para realização do estudo é o Parque Estadual do Juquery, localizado no município de Franco da Rocha, na Região Metropolitana de São Paulo, em uma região com histórico de inundação, deslizamento, e principalmente, processos erosivos. Em 2011, o município de Franco da Rocha ficou isolado devido à inundação do Rio Juqueri (limite norte da área objeto de pesquisa) e aos deslizamentos que bloquearam os acessos ao município. O estudo tem como objetivo realizar o mapeamento geológico-geotécnico, em escala 1:20.000, associado a caracterização das unidades identificadas, bem como, a avaliação das unidades em relação à suscetibilidade à processos erosivos e processos de escorregamentos. Desta forma, a pesquisa visa fornecer subsídio para o desenvolvimento de instrumentos de gestão ambiental, uma vez que o plano de manejo está em fase de contratação e a caracterização do meio físico é fundamental para sua elaboração de forma adequada. A longo prazo, se espera a redução dos impactos associados à processos geológicos, e consequentemente, a redução dos esforços e recursos gastos pelo poder público para atender a situações emergenciais. O método para caracterização geológico-geotécnica se baseia na técnica de análise fisiográfica integrada, que é sustentada por pesquisa bibliográfica, observação e interpretação de imagens aerofotogramétricas (fotoanálise), correlação de produtos de modelo numérico de terreno, e trabalho de campo. Com a finalidade de analisar e comparar o uso e ocupação do solo nos anos de 1977 e 2010/2011, foi realizada a compartimentação da área do parque em 5 unidades de interesse, utilizando técnicas de fotointerpretação e classificação manual. Para a avaliação de suscetibilidade das unidades foi adotado o método de análise gráfica, que é fundamentado na análise combinatória das variáveis de interesse. O mapeamento realizado subdividiu... / Abstract: The chosen area for this research is the Juquery State Park, located at Franco da Rocha municipality in São Paulo Metropolitan Region, in a region with historical flood, slip, and mainly erosive process. In 2011, the Franco da Rocha city was isolated due to flooding of Juqueri River (northern limit of the research subject area) and landslides blocked the city access. The study proposes do a geological and geotechnical mapping in scale 1: 20.000, associated with characterization of the identified units, as well as the evaluation of units in relation to susceptibility to erosion and landslides processes. Thus, the survey aims to provide subsidies for development of environmental management tools, once the management plan is in contracting stage, the characterization of physical environment is important for their development appropriately. In the long term, it is expected reduce impacts of geological processes, and consequently the reduction of efforts and resources spent by the government to answer emergencies. The method for geological and geotechnical characterization is based on the technique of integrated physiographic analysis, which is supported by literature, observation and interpretation of aerophotogrametric images (photoanalysis), correlation of numerical model products of land, land field work. In order to analyze and compare the use and occupation of land in 1977 and 2010/2011, the partitioning of the park area was held on 5 units of interest, using techniques photo interpretation and manual classification. To evaluate the susceptibility of units was adopted graphical analysis method, which is based on a combinatorial analysis of interest variables. The mapping subdivided the area in six geological and geotechnical units. Consolidation, characterization and distribution of the units are presented in the geological and geotechnical map, which contains summary table with characteristics of mapped drives, and the chips that... / Mestre

No description available.

Thesis (MEng)--Stellenbosch University, 2013. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The suitability of local construction materials for construction purposes is governed by several rock mechanical properties. Strength, durability, performance and petrography of aggregates all influence the decisions engineers make in deciding if the aggregate is suitable and sustainable throughout the lifetime of a structure. This thesis investigates these properties by combining engineering, chemistry and geological disciplines to make informed decisions. The pertaining project for which the research was conducted is the construction of the gravimeter vault at the Matjiesfontein Geodesy and Earth Observation Observatory (MGO) although the research acquired can be used for other projects of a similar nature and other outbuildings at the MGO. Material at and around the site were tested for strength and durability according to certain South African National Standards (SANS). Slake durability was tested as certain rock types tend to slake when exposed to the atmosphere such as tillite of the Dwyka formation and shale of the Karoo Supergroup. Concrete cube strength was determined on cubes containing crushed rock from Matjiesfontein as well as river sand. Cube strength was conducted to analyse performance and to establish a mix design that would be sustainable throughout the lifetime of the project. Petrographic examination using Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and inspection under a petrographic microscope were conducted. These methods were used to determine if a risk exists for alkali-silica reactivity (ASR) in concrete when the rock types are used as aggregate, particularly if high quartz-bearing rock types such as quartzite of the Table Mountain group were to be used as coarse aggregate. Inspection of thin sections for strained quartz under a petrographic microscope and SEM imaging were important in determining if ASR may occur. The gravimeter vault was constructed using materials sourced mainly from Laingsburg. Tillite satisfied all tests and analyses conducted during the research, making it more suitable for construction than the other materials from Matjiesfontein. The slake durability test indicates that tillite is nearly as durable as quartzite, which is considered the most durable rock type at Matjiesfontein. This is due to atmospheric conditions in the Karoo being very dry with low humidity in comparison to the coast where slaking is known to occur. Slaking properties were most prominent for shale at Matjiesfontein and if excavated, it is recommended to cover the exposed shale with a layer of asphalt or cement to prevent slaking. The 10% fines aggregate crushing test (10%FACT) value for tillite was over the 210 kN prerequisite and the wet-to-dry ratio over 75% making it suitable for road construction according to the 10%FACT. All cube tests reached the desired 40 MPa prerequisite although the mixtures containing local river sand were unworkable. Unlike quartzite and quartzitic sandstone from Matjiesfontein, tillite is low in quartz and has minimal strained quartz. Therefore, no risk exists for ASR if tillite were to be used as aggregate in concrete. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die geskiktheid van plaaslike konstruksiemateriale vir konstruksiedoeleindes word deur sekere rots meganiese eienskappe beïnvloed. Sterkte, duursaamheid, volhoubaarheid en petrografie van aggregaat beïnvloed die besluite wat ingenieurs moet neem sodat die aggregaat aan standaarde voldoen en gedurende die leeftyd van ‘n struktuur volhoubaar is. Hierdie tesis ondersoek die genoemde eienskappe deur ingenieurs-, chemiese- en geologiese dissiplines te kombineer. Die voorgenome projek, waarvoor die navorsing ter sprake is, is vir die konstruksie van die gravimeterkluis by die “Matjiesfontein Geodesy and Earth Observation Observatory (MGO)”, alhoewel die navorsing ook gebruik kan word vir soortgelyke projekte, sowel as die konstruksie van die res van die geboue by die MGO. Materiale van die terrein en die omgewing is volgens sekere Suid-Afrikaanse kodes vir sterkte en duursaamheid getoets. Die blusbaarheid van materiale is getoets omdat sekere materiale, soos tilliet van die Dwyka-formasie en skalie van die Karoo Supergroep blus wanneer dit aan die atmosfeer blootgestel word. Die betonsterkte van kubusse, waarin plaaslike gesteentes en riviersand van Matjiesfontein vir aggregaat gebruik is, is bepaal. Die kubusse is getoets om die sterkte daarvan te analiseer en om ‘n betonmengsel, wat tydens die leeftyd van die projek volhoubaar is, daar te stel. Petrografiese eksaminering deur X-straal difraksie (XRD), X-straal fluoressensie (XRF), Skandeerelektronmikroskopie (SEM) en inspeksie onder ‘n petrografiese mikroskoop is gedoen. Met die doel om die petrografiese samestelling van materiale van Matjiesfontein te bepaal, is hierdie metodes gevolg om te uit te vind of daar ‘n risiko vir alkalie-silikaat reaksies (ASR) bestaan, as die gesteentes in beton gebruik word. Veral gesteentes met ‘n hoë hoeveelheid kwarts, soos kwartsiet van die Tafelberg-groep, is hier ter sprake. Inspeksie van dunsnitte vir gespanne kwarts onder ‘n petrografiese mikroskoop en SEM was belangrik om die risiko vir ASR te bepaal. Die gravimeterkluis is hoofsaaklik met materiale afkomstig van Laingsburg gebou. In vergelyking met die ander gesteentes by Matjiesfontein is tilliet, volgens alle toetsparameters, die mees geskikte gesteente vir konstruksiedoeleindes. Die blusbaarheid van tilliet vergelyk goed met kwartsiet, wat as die sterkste en duursaamste gesteente by Matjiesfontein, beskou word. Die rede hiervoor is die atmosferiese toestande wat baie droër is, asook die laer humiditeit in die Karoo, in vergelyking met gebiede nader aan die kus waar blusting meer algemeen voorkom. Die blusbaarheid van skalie by Matjiesfontein kom algemeen voor. As daar dus uitgrawing in hierdie gebied plaasvind, word dit aanbeveel dat ‘n laag sement of asfalt oorgegooi word om die blusting te verhoed. Die 10%FACT waarde vir tilliet was bo die vereiste 210 kN, asook bo die 75% nat-teenoor-droog-verhouding en daarom is dit volgens die 10%FACT-toets as padboumateriaal geskik. Alhoewel mengsels, wat plaaslike riviersand bevat het, onwerkbaar was, het alle toetsmonsters (kubusse) die vereiste 40 MPa- sterkte bereik. In vergelyking met kwartsiet en kwarsitiese sandsteen, bevat tilliet min kwarts en ook minimale gespanne kwarts. Daar bestaan dus geen risiko vir ASR indien tilliet van Matjiesfontien in die beton gebruik word nie.