<p>The limestone formations of the Ait Sibern region, located in the Khemisset province of central Morocco, represent a significant geological heritage. These formations are influenced by the Alpine orogeny, which has led to the development of complex geological structures often associated with risks for civil engineering projects due to their karstic nature. The dissolution and weathering of these limestones can compromise the stability of infrastructures in the area. Geotechnical and geophysical methods, such as pressuremeter tests and ground-penetrating radar (GPR), are valuable tools for assessing the mechanical properties of these limestones and for mapping underground cavities, aiming to minimize the risks of collapse or ground subsidence. This study reveals that pressuremeter data show a progressive decrease in rock strength with depth, attributed to the presence of cavities and fractures within the limestone. These discontinuities create zones of weakness that facilitate rock displacement under pressure, reducing both the rigidity and bearing capacity of the formation. These findings are corroborated by geophysical surveys using GPR, which enabled subsurface imaging and revealed hidden cavities and weak zones, along with anomalies indicative of voids or major fractures within the limestone formations. The results confirm the distribution and extent of karstic cavities, which are often challenging to detect using conventional methods. The integration of geological, geophysical, and in-situ geotechnical investigations provides a comprehensive understanding of geological hazards in the area, supporting the assessment of soil stability and the prediction of dissolution effects on foundation and infrastructure strength.</p>

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Integrated Geological, Geotechnical, and Geophysical Assessment of Karstified Limestone from Ait Sibern, Khemisset, Morocco

  • Hajar Chekkouch,
  • Mohamed Benammi,
  • Sliman Hitouri,
  • Saïd Chakiri,
  • Sara Salih

摘要

The limestone formations of the Ait Sibern region, located in the Khemisset province of central Morocco, represent a significant geological heritage. These formations are influenced by the Alpine orogeny, which has led to the development of complex geological structures often associated with risks for civil engineering projects due to their karstic nature. The dissolution and weathering of these limestones can compromise the stability of infrastructures in the area. Geotechnical and geophysical methods, such as pressuremeter tests and ground-penetrating radar (GPR), are valuable tools for assessing the mechanical properties of these limestones and for mapping underground cavities, aiming to minimize the risks of collapse or ground subsidence. This study reveals that pressuremeter data show a progressive decrease in rock strength with depth, attributed to the presence of cavities and fractures within the limestone. These discontinuities create zones of weakness that facilitate rock displacement under pressure, reducing both the rigidity and bearing capacity of the formation. These findings are corroborated by geophysical surveys using GPR, which enabled subsurface imaging and revealed hidden cavities and weak zones, along with anomalies indicative of voids or major fractures within the limestone formations. The results confirm the distribution and extent of karstic cavities, which are often challenging to detect using conventional methods. The integration of geological, geophysical, and in-situ geotechnical investigations provides a comprehensive understanding of geological hazards in the area, supporting the assessment of soil stability and the prediction of dissolution effects on foundation and infrastructure strength.