Propiedades geotécnicas de la unidad Arcosas del Teso Grande (Salamanca)

Abstract

This paper deals with the Arcosas del Teso Grande geotechnical unit, which constitutes the foundations of buildings placed in the city centre of Salamanca (W of Spain). Geology of the area has been studied for several authors before, but a systematic characterization of their geotechnical properties have not been done until authors of this paper started to work on it. A fist approach to the main parameters governing the mechanical behaviour of this unit has been done, which will be very useful when dealing with construction activities on these materials. Arcosas del Teso Grande, a geotechnical unit with soil features and located between rock materials, are described using either in situ and laboratory tests. On the first ones, standard penetration tests data have been analyzed, as well as velocity of P seismic waves. On the laboratory test, particle size distribution, mineralogy, moisture content, Atterberg limits, bulk and dry density, specific gravity, void ratio, Lambe swelling index, overburden pressure, oedometric , uniaxial compression and finally direct shear tests have been done. Arcosas del Teso Grande geotechnical unit has been divided in two subunits: the granular and the cohesive one, with different geomechanical behaviour, according to the investigations carried out.