No abstract

Thirty bulk samples of hard soils-soft rocks such as marls, originating from Euboea Island and Peloponnesus area, were investigated to evaluate their geotechnical behavior. Specifically, by conducting a series of physical and geotechnical tests, such as liquid limit and plastic limit tests, along with the estimation of the grain size fraction, Slake Durability and Point Load Test. Certain parameters were determined and used for empirical correlations with their mineralogical characteristics. The mineralogical composition was determined by Xray diffraction, thermo-gravimetric and thermal analysis, succeeded by textural analysis performed by Optical Microscope. With the help of the above mentioned tests, we interpreted the observed geotechnical behavior of the examined weak rocks by means of mineralogical composition and texture. Durability and the unconfined compressive strength was found to be influenced by high percentages in carbonate minerals. In addition, it was found that a decrease in clay content resulted in higher strength and durability values. The concluded empirical correlations verified the influence of these parameters and gave a general overview of the engineering behavior of the examined weak rocks.

The aim of this study is to develop a Geovisual Mineralogical Cognitive Tool (GeMiCo Tool), a digital application that utilizes techniques from the domain of Information and Communication Technology. The application is part of the educational tools used at the Mineralogical Museum of the School of Mining and Metallurgical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens and concerns students of Higher, Primary and Secondary Education. The learning tool developed here embodies Google Earth API (Application Programming Interface), allowing users to interactively display and investigate geological and mineralogical related data. By that, users are able to select and present thematic layers of information related to the geo-exhibits, to create queries and searches and to navigate in 3D environment. The application runs on a large format multi-touch interactive display in the Mineralogical Museum of NTUA that attracts audiences and engages them in interactive collaborative tasks.