Investigation on the mechanical attitude of basaltic rocks from Mount Etna through InfraRed Thermography and laboratory tests

The laboratory characterization of basaltic rocks from Mount Etna (eastern Sicily) is presented herein, with the aim of investigating on the mechanical attitude of such rock, widely employed as construction and decorative material. The analysis was carried out following both traditional and innovative approaches, through laboratory tests and InfraRed Thermography prospecting. In particular, the rocks underwent a geotechnical characterization aimed at assessing their main physical and mechanical properties, while Thermography was employed for the infrared analysis of specimens, to highlight differences and peculiar features related to their structure. Achieved results show that such rock type, renowned worldwide for its importance, cannot be represented by standard engineering geological parameters, because its properties are affected by a great statistical variability, which could condition its use as construction or decorative material. Furthermore, the innovative methodological approach followed herein proved very worthwhile in the laboratory characterization of a rock and lays the foundations for future studies focusing on the utility of new technologies in this field.