Rockmass Fracture Analysis at Cărpiniş Travertine Quarry Using Ground Penetrating Radar and Geophysical Methods

Abstract Travertines are susceptible to fracturing/ cracking, making it difficult to extract large uncracked blocks of significant commercial value. In our study, we used the GPR – Ground Penetrating Radar and other geophysical methods (resistivity and seismic methods) to evaluate the degree of fracturing. Following the interpretation of the longitudinal and transversal GPR profiles, corroborated with the resistivities minima, led us to identify fractures and highly fracturing areas in the Carpinis quarry. In addition, using these combined methodologies and corroborating geophysical, geological, tectonic and geomorphological information creates the premises for an effective investigation of Carpinis quarry, which assists with optimising the mining process.