Influence of weathering processes on the mechanical behaviour of an italian clay

The paper presents the results of an experimental research on the effects of weathering on the geotechnical properties and the mechanical behaviour of a stiff blue Pleistocene clay. The properties and mechanics of block samples taken from a quarry face in yellowish clay are compared with those of the unweathered grey clay below it, which is shown to be the original material the upper yellow clay derives from through chemical and mechanical alteration. Weathering processes affect the swelling behaviour, shear strength and shear stiffness of the clay.