Thermal expansion tests
Successive thermal expansion readings are made until reaching the target temperature of 250ºC.
Performance of bending tests at 70ºC and 150ºC
Execution of the bending tests at temperatures between room temperature and the 250ºC tests already carried out.
Participation in the Winter School on Geomechanics for Energy and the Environment
Participation in the Winter School on Geomechanics for Energy and the Environment that took place in Villars-sur-Ollon (Switzerland) on January 22-24, 2019.
Rock fracture analysis using thin sheets
Microstructural analysis of the fractures obtained in the bending tests by using thin sheets.
Brazilian tests at different temperatures
Several Brazilian tests are performed at different temperatures (between room temperature and 250ºC) with the aim of identifying its influence on the tensile strength of the rocks.
Tests at 250ºC begin
Once the tests specimens and the laboratory press are prepared, the 4-point bending tests at 250ºC begin. The rocks must reach the target temperature before testing, so all the specimens are preheated in an external oven in order to accelerate this process.
Preparing specimens for tests at 250ºC
Specimens for the tests at 250 ° C are prepared exactly in the same as for the tests at room temperature. 180x30x30mm specimens are used once again with different notch radii varying from 0.15 mm up to 15mm.
Modification of the laboratory press
In order to be able to perform the tests at high temperatures (up to 250 °C) it is necessary to adjust an oven to the press where the previous tests have been carried out, with the corresponding limitation on the dimensions. The special oven has been provided by the LADICIM group of the University of Read more about Modification of the laboratory press[…]
Performing simple compression tests
Once the 48 specimens have been prepared (12 for each rock type), simple compression tests are performed. In this case, the resistance and the deformations until failure are measured. For more information it is recommended to read the section about Tests.
Participation in the IX National Symposium on Slopes and Unstable Hillsides
Presentation of the work “Prevención de inestabilidades en la contención de una excavación al pie de una ladera” at the IX National Symposium on Slopes and Unstable Hillsides that took place in Santander the 27th – 30th of June, obtaining the prize to the most innovative article in the category: “Correction, stabilization and environmental impact”.