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A physical analogue model to analyse interactions between tensile stresses and dissolution in carbonate slopes

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Abstract

A physical analogue model was developed to analyse the relationship between tensional states in rock masses, seepage and karst processes. Use was made of an experimental apparatus consisting of two hydraulic circuits realized by drilling two holes into each of two blocks of sampled limestone from the central Apennines (Italy). A static load (208.85 kg) was applied to one of the blocks in order to elicit tensile stresses within it. Physical and chemical monitoring data showed that the main process involved was temperature-dependent CaCO3 dissolution. This process was more marked in the loaded block circuit, as Ca++ concentration in circulated water reached 54 mg/L, whereas only 28 mg/L was reached in the unloaded one. The interaction between load and dissolution caused the observed opening of microcracks, as confirmed by further increase of water loss and by dilution in the loaded block circuit, resulting in a decrease of Ca++ concentration. These findings were confirmed by recording additional water losses after increasing the load up to 445.05 kg. A finite difference numerical model showed that tensile stresses (max 20 kPa) within the loaded block were clustered at the intersection of the main joints with the flowpaths, thus representing points of preferential and accelerated dissolution.

Résumé

Un modèle analogique a été réalisé pour étudier la relation entre les états de tension dans des blocs rocheux et les processus d’infiltration et de karstification. Un dispositif expérimental, fait de deux circuits hydrauliques réalisés en forant deux trous dans chacun des deux blocs de calcaire prélevés au centre des Apennines (Italie), a été utilisé. Afin de créer des contraintes de tension dans l’un des deux blocs, une charge statique (208.85 kg) lui a été appliquée. D’après les données physique et chimique, le processus impliqué le plus important était la dissolution du calcaire en fonction de la température. Ce processus fut plus important dans le bloc soumis à la charge, avec une concentration en Ca++ dans l’eau circulante atteignant 54 mg/L, contre 28 mg/L dans l’autre bloc. L’interaction entre la charge et la dissolution entraîna l’observation de l’ouverture de micro-fissures; le processus a également été confirmé par une perte en eau plus importante et un phénomène de dilution dans le circuit du bloc soumis à la charge, entraînant une diminution de la concentration en Ca++. Ces résultats ont été également confirmés par l’enregistrement de pertes en eau supplémentaires lors de l’augmentation de la charge jusqu’à 445.05 kg. Un modèle numérique aux différences finies a montré que les contraintes de tension (max 20 kPa) au sein du bloc soumis à la charge étaient localisées au niveau de l’intersection entre les joints principaux et les trajectoires d’écoulement, révélant ainsi des zones de dissolution préférentielle et accélérée.

Resumen

Se desarrolló un modelo físico análogo para analizar la relación entre estados tensionales en masas rocosas, infiltración, y procesos kársticos. Se utilizó un aparato experimental que consiste en dos circuitos hidráulicos construidos mediante la perforación de dos agujeros en cada uno de los dos bloques de caliza muestreada en los Apeninos centrales (Italia). Se aplicó una carga estática (208.85 kg) a uno de los bloques para generar esfuerzos tensionales dentro de ellos. Los datos de monitoreo físico y químico mostraron que el principal proceso involucrado fue la disolución de CaC03 dependiente de la temperatura. El proceso fue más intenso en el bloque de circuito cargado donde la concentración de Ca++ en agua circulante alcanzó 54 mg/L, mientras que en el bloque sin carga la concentración de Ca++ fue solo de 28 mg/L. La interacción entre carga y disolución causó la abertura de microgrietas lo cual fue confirmado por el incremento posterior de pérdida de agua y por dilución en el circuito de bloque cargado ocasionando un descenso en la concentración de Ca++. Estos resultados fueron confirmados mediante el registro de pérdidas de agua adicionales después de incrementar la carga hasta 445.05 kg. Un modelo numérico de diferencia finita mostró que los esfuerzos tensionales (max 20 kPa) dentro del bloque cargado se aglomeraron en la intersección de las fracturas principales con las trayectorias de flujo representando de este modo puntos de disolución acelerada y preferencial.

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Acknowledgements

The authors are indebted to G. Scarascia Mugnozza for contributing to the fine-tuning of the engineering-geological model, to C. Romagnoli and G. Martino (ACEA S.p.A.) for providing technical documentation, to S. Tersigni (ISTAT) for revising the geochemical data, to I.D. Sasowsky (University of Akron, USA) for his revision of the paper. Comments by the editor and by the anonymous reviewers were highly appreciated. The study was funded by a research grant of the Italian Ministry of Education, Universities and Scientific Research (MIUR–COFIN2003), co-ordinator: A. Prestininzi.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Roma Natura, Villa Mazzanti, Via Gomenizza 81, 00100, Roma, Italy

    Stefano Casini

  2. Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra, Università degli Studi di Roma (La Sapienza), P.le Aldo Moro n°5, 00185, Rome, Italy

    Salvatore Martino, Marco Petitta & Alberto Prestininzi

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  1. Stefano Casini
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  2. Salvatore Martino
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  3. Marco Petitta
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  4. Alberto Prestininzi
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Correspondence to Salvatore Martino.

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This study is part of a research project on analogical and numerical modelling for geological risk mitigation being conducted at CERI, Research Centre for Geological Risks of the University of Rome “La Sapienza” (Valmontone, Roma, Italy; http://www.uniroma1.it/cerihttp://www.ceri@uniroma1.it).

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Casini, S., Martino, S., Petitta, M. et al. A physical analogue model to analyse interactions between tensile stresses and dissolution in carbonate slopes. Hydrogeol J 14, 1387–1402 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10040-006-0064-x

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