35526 - Applied Petrography

Academic Year 2018/2019

  • Moduli: Giorgio Gasparotto (Modulo 1)
  • Teaching Mode: Traditional lectures (Modulo 1)
  • Campus: Bologna
  • Corso: First cycle degree programme (L) in Geological Sciences (cod. 8015)

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student has specific skills in the field of natural and artificial stone materials used in the construction field, as well as mineral resource widely used as raw material for the ceramic industry and the cement. In particular, the student is able to: - managing and interpreting the results of mineralogical and petrographic analysis and physical-mechanical properties necessary to define the suitability for use of the materials; - know the main industrial processes used for the treatment of minerals; - evaluate the reactivity of the aggregates with the binders used in their implementation and define the durability of natural and artificial stone materials relating to the environment of use.

Course contents

Natural stone materials of ancient and modern employment (Granites, Marbles and Stones) extraction, processing and use in the construction field. Artificial stone materials (aggregates, ceramics, cement, refractories and glasses), raw materials, production technologies and use. Mineralogical and petrographic study of natural and artificial stone materials by optical microscopy, electron microscopy, diffraction and X-ray fluorescence. Determination of the physical-mechanical characteristics. Processing of experimental mineralogical-petrographic and physical-mechanical data.

Readings/Bibliography

Primavori P. (1999): Planet Stone. Zusi Ed., Verona. ISBN 88-900067-1-4

Tanelli G. (2009) Georisorse e ambiente. ARACNE editrice S.r.l

Prentice J.E. (1990) Geology of construction materials. Chapman & Hall.

Manning D.A.C. (1995) Industrial minerals. Chapman & Hall.

Velde B. (1992) Introduction to clay minerals. Chapman & Hall.

Jones M.P. (1987) Applied mineralogy-a quantitative approach. Graham & Trotman.

Ingham J.P. (2013) Geomaterials under the microscope. Academic Press

Teaching methods

The course consists of lectures and laboratory exercises. The educational activities will be developed in collaboration with colleagues in the Department BiGeA and the Laboratory (LAGIRN) of the Department (DICAM). The laboratory activities will be supplemented with visits to quarries and industries.

Assessment methods

The learning assessment is through a two-hour practice test and a final oral examination. The practice test seeks to ascertain the skills acquired in the classification of natural and artificial stones. Is evaluated through a judgment which must be positive to allow access to the oral test. The period of validity of the written test exceeded is limited to a single session of exams. The oral exam aims to test knowledge acquisition under the program of the course. Both the practical and the oral test have the additional purpose of verifying the learning of general methods of study of the stones and the acquisition of critical judgment in the procedures to be adopted in the choice of materials. The final score, expressed in thirtieths, takes into account the grade achieved in both tests.

Teaching tools

LCD projector for Power Point presentations. Collections of samples of rocks and thin sections of rocks, aggregates for concrete aggregates and asphalt, mortar and ceramics. Transmitted Polarized Light Microscopes, photomicroscope with digital camera, XRD, XRF and SEM-EDS. Press for the determination of the compressive strength and flexural strength.

Office hours

See the website of Giorgio Gasparotto