Getting undisturbed specimens of lithified canarian pyroclasts

Resumen

The geomechanical behaviour of pyroclastic materials is notably complex due to their unique internal structures and the varied particle bonding. These challenges arise from the natural formation processes of pyroclasts during volcanic eruptions, resulting in significant heterogeneity represented by the structure of these geomaterials. This heterogeneity is a consequence of magma solidification alongside the expulsion of scoria and pumice. A key characteristic of pyroclastic materials is their matrix composition, which includes both stiff and soft welded particles. These features pose substantial challenges for high-quality geomechanical characterisation of these materials. This study introduces innovative and refined sampling procedures designed explicitly for pyroclastic materials, focusing on lithified pumice with a silty-sand matrix collected from Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain. These materials will undergo extensive laboratory testing at facilities in Madrid as part of a research project led by Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM). The outlined sampling procedures provide detailed steps for block extraction, wax coating, transportation, and specimen preparation. By adhering to these methodologies, researchers and practitioners can ensure high-quality samples for the geomechanical characterisation of pyroclastic materials through advanced geomechanical tests.