Indagini e controlli geotecnica in cave di gesso in sotterraneo

This study focuses on quarrying activity in the Monferrato area (Piedmont, NW Italy), where open pit and underground gypsum quarries are present. The aim of the research is to analyse the actual setting of this quarry in order to plan rehabilitations and reuses of the abandoned quarry and extension work in the active ones. Geological and structural features of the gypsum bodies have been defined and geotechnical and mechanical considerations have to be defined, in particular in case of underground quarries where exploitation carried on different levels with room and pillars pattern. In order to reach the aims of the research it is essential to characterize the ore body in term of stress distribution and long term stability. This paper reports a methodology of geotechnical and geomechanical survey and monitoring suitable in gypsum quarries and applied in underground quarries in the Monferrato area.