Physical and mechanical characterization of the soft pyroclastic rocks forming the Orvieto cliff

The paper describes the results of laboratory and in situ investigations carried out on weak pyroclastic materials which could be encountered during engineering activities in volcanic regions. The research was focused on the historical town of Orvieto, representing a typical geotechnical situation which is widespread in Central Italy. The in situ investigations include cross-hole and SASW measurements performed in adjacent areas. The laboratory tests provided static and dynamic properties which were compared to the in situ data, in order to reconstruct the geotechnical model of a representative area of the town.