Sedimentological and engineering geological features of the Sarmatian limestones along the Black Sea Coast between the capes of Kaliakra and Shabla

This article aims to present the results of geotechnical studies of the main rock complexes that compose the periphery of the Dobrudzha Plateau in the area from Cape Kaliakra to Cape Shabla (Bulgarian Black Sea Coast), directly related to the development of hazardous geological processes. Sediments of the Sarmatian age were studied: carbonate tempestites, Mactra limestones (Karvuna Formation), nubecular (foraminiferal), reef and bioclastic limestones (Odartsi Formation). The corresponding microscopic and petrographic analyses of the studied sediments are also presented. Studies of collapses in caves near Cape Kaliakra show that they occur in friable peloidal limestones, with disturbances following stratification. This is confirmed by laboratory tests of samples showing lower strength indicators, namely in the direction to the layering. The results of laboratory tests of specimens from the sections between the village of Tyulenovo and Cape Shabla, including foraminiferal, reef and bioclastic limestones, show higher values of physical and mechanical parameters compared to limestones at Cape Kaliakra. In the case of the bioclastic limestones, higher strengths are found crosswise to the layering, and in the case of compressive strength, the ratio is double. The obtained data provide valuable information about the engineering geological parameters of the main varieties in which the rock deformations are developed, which can be used in the analysis of slope stability.