Volcanic Rocks — Malheiro & Nunes (Eds)
© 2007 Taylor & Francis Group, London, ISBN 978-0-415-45140-6
Preface
This workshop complements the recent congress (9—13 July 2007) ofthe International Society on Rock Mechanics (ISRM) in Lisbon, because of the increasing relevance in a better understanding of the behavior of volcanic rocks in engineering projects. Moreover it became obvious that, because of its volcanic origin and setting, the Azores Islands would be the natural place to convene such a workshop, on a subject that pervades every day life and thus assumes a clear importance for these islands, their inhabitants, its economy and development.
In a time when scientific meetings on similar subjects are common, it is highly gratifying to acknowledge the interest and enthusiasm that this workshop has raised. Both the workshop theme and the geographical setting of the archipelago have, for sure, stimulated the presentation of 34 abstracts, from which 24 papers have been prepared for inclusion in this proceedings volume.
It was purpose of this workshop to assemble renowned and active researchers in a venue where the participants could exchange scientific views and share perspectives relating the relevant subjects. Thus, the workshop provided an excellent opportunity to hold high-level discussions and to define novel approaches and solutions for addressing engineering problems related with volcanic rocks.
Scientific topics were grouped in seven themes of specialized interest:
1. Characterization ofVolcanic Formations
2. Case Studies
3. Construction Materials
4. Earthquake Engineering and Rock Dynamics
5. Foundations
6. Slope Stability
7. Tunneling
Moreover, because of heightened governmental and public awareness, the protection of environmental quality assumes increasing priority in engineering projects. Within this context, the Regional Laboratory of Civil Engineering (LREC), representing the Azorean Government Department for Housing and Collective Facilities (SRHE), is proud to organize and promote, in collaboration with the Portuguese Geotechnical Society (SPG), and the Azores University, this International Workshop on Volcanic Rocks.
The Editors wish to thank all the participants and contributors for their enthusiastic involvement in this workshop, the sponsors who provided the necessary financial support, and everyone who made it possible to achieve our goals.
The Editors
Ana Maria Malheiro
João Carlos Nunes
