Analysis of tectonic and karst formations as geological hazard for exploitation of flyschoid rocks by Ground Penetrating Radar, the case of Anhovo-Rodež quarry (W Slovenia)

Abstract

During the exploitation of flyschoid rocks in quarries, the presence of karst features such as caves and phreatic channels in carbonate units can be extremely hazardous. Several case studies to date have shown that the Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) is a suitable method for detecting such features. We evaluated its use in detecting karst caves and discontinuities that could form potential landslide surfaces in flyschoid rocks of the Rodež quarry in Anhovo (W Slovenia). We recorded 21 GPR profiles in 3 consecutive benches with the unshielded 50 MHz Rough Terrain Antenna (RTA) system and correlated them with the results of structural and lithological mapping of the area. We located several karst caves and confirmed the presence of discontinuities with the interpretation of GPR profiles alone, but their correlation with geological and other data gave a more precise insight into the structural setting of the studied area.