GEOTECHNICAL AND CHEMICAL STUDY AND ANALYSIS OF THE MARBLE QUARRY IN THE ALENTEJO AREA, PORTUGAL

Abstract

This work is a part of an economic project where the knowledge of the surface layers morphology and composed phases identification is essential for the control of any industrial process. In order to improve and increase the production, the quality and the quantity of a marble industry chain. A detailed study of the filling materials of the quarry aimed of this work has been carried out using a different, innovative, and economic methodology. With the intention to determine the nature, composition, and quality of the marble in the quarry of the Alentejo area, we proceed to many physical, mechanical tests, structural and chemical analysis. This work will be divided into two major parts which concern: i) the geotechnical study and ii) the structural and chemical analysis of the marble collect in the quarry. Geological observation and geotechnical study [1, 2] allowed us to determine the geological nature (color, size shape, and hardness),physical (mass, porosity, density and saturation coefficient) and mechanical properties (strength, impact and wear resistance tests). Chemical part [3, 4], consists in the determination of the constitution of the material including phases and elemental composition. Hence, the characterization of the material will be carried out using X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence (XRF), and Energy dispersive Spectrometer (EDS). When, morphology, distribution of the formed phases and structural defects will be determined by mean of the electronic scanning microscope. This work is a part of the project "Quality Control of Ornamental Stone Blocks" with the reference ALT20-03-0247- FEDER-017659 BRO.