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The objective was to carry out a survey of the possibility of practical applications, in selected examples, of industrial property instruments in the Brazilian mineral processing sector, specifically in the production chain of ornamental stones. In methodological terms, both secondary and primary data were used. As a primary source of data, the database of the National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI) was used. Four dimensions of industrial property were defined for carrying out the searches: patent, industrial design, geographical indications and trademarks. As a main conclusion, it was identified that the use of protection instruments is evident, including the perception of environmental concern and recognition of the link between location and productive activity (in the case of GIs). However, the study is not enough to verify the effectiveness of each instrument as a tool to stimulate innovation, expand the activity and value the product. In this sense, there is a need for more in-depth studies, including in associated segments, such as equipment and supplies. Neste artigo pretende-se realizar um levantamento da possibilidade de aplicações práticas, em exemplos selecionados, de instrumentos de propriedade industrial no setor de beneficiamento mineral brasileiro, especificamente da cadeia produtiva de rochas ornamentais. Em termos metodológicos, utilizou-se tanto dados secundários quanto primários. Como fonte primária de dados, utilizou-se a base do Instituto Nacional da Propriedade Industrial (INPI). Definiu-se quatro dimensões da propriedade industrial para realização das buscas: patente, desenho industrial, indicações geográficas e marcas. Como principal conclusão identificou-se que a utilização dos instrumentos de proteção está evidenciada, inclusive com a percepção de preocupação ambiental e reconhecimento do vínculo entre localização e atividade produtiva (caso das IGs). No entanto, o estudo não é suficiente para verificar a efetividade de cada instrumento como ferramenta de estímulo à inovação, à expansão da atividade e à valorização do produto. Nesse sentido, há a necessidade de estudos mais aprofundados, inclusive nos segmentos associados, como equipamentos e insumos.

PDF del artículo [ES] Introducción: la silicosis, enfermedad crónica, causada por la inhalación de polvo de sílice cristalina, sigue siendo un problema de salud laboral vigente. El objetivo de la investigación consistió en estimar el riesgo de silicosis complicada y/o acelerada en trabajadores expuestos a polvo de sílice de conglomerados de cuarzo frente al riesgo de los trabajadores expuestos a roca ornamental. Método: se desarrolló un estudio analítico de casos y controles prevalentes en trabajadores cuya vigilancia de la salud se realizó en el instituto Nacional de Silicosis (España), entre el 1 de enero de 2008 y el 31 de diciembre de 2018 (N = 90). El valor de la significación de todos los contrastes de hipótesis realizados fue α = 0,05. Resultados: se determinó mayor riesgo de silicosis complicada en los trabajadores expuestos a polvo de sílice proveniente del uso de conglomerados de cuarzo mediante el cálculo de Chi cuadrado, con un total de 7 casos (46,67%) de silicosis complicada (p = 0,046). Conclusiones: existe mayor riesgo de silicosis complicada en los trabajadores expuestos a polvo de sílice proveniente del uso de conglomerados de cuarzo frente a los expuestos a polvo de sílice de roca ornamental. No se observó relación entre el riesgo de desarrollar silicosis acelerada y la exposición a conglomerados de cuarzo en la muestra analizada. [EN] Introduction: silicosis, a chronic disease caused by the inhalation of crystalline silica dust, continues to be a current occupational health problem. The objective of the research was to estimate the risk of complicated and/or accelerated silicosis in workers exposed to silica dust from quartz conglomerates compared to the risk of workers exposed to ornamental rock. Method: an analytical study of cases and controls prevalent in workers whose health surveillance was carried out at the National Institute of Silicosis (Spain), between January 1, 2008 and December 31, 2018 was developed (N = 90). The significance value of all the hypotheses tests performed was α = 0.05. Results: a higher risk of complicated silicosis was determined in workers exposed to silica dust from the use of quartz conglomerates by calculating Chi square, with a total of 7 cases (46.67%) of complicated silicosis (p = 0.046). Conclusions: there is a higher risk of complicated silicosis in workers exposed to silica dust from the use of quartz conglomerates compared to those exposed to silica dust from ornamental rock. No relationship was observed between the risk of developing accelerated silicosis and exposure to quartz conglomerates in the analyzed sample. Sí

RESUMEN: El presente Trabajo Fin de Máster busca analizar si es viable aplicar la información radiométrica obtenida a partir de la captura mediante un láser escáner de diferentes muestras de roca ornamental, para llevar una caracterización de las mismas. Se debe de tener en cuenta que el parámetro empleado para la caracterización será la reflectancia no corregida o intensidad, valor que registra el dispositivo al llevar a cabo la captura. Se define la reflectancia como la cantidad de intensidad devuelta en relación a la intensidad de haz del láser emitido, tras producirse la incidencia sobre la superficie objeto del estudio. Para llevar a cabo el contraste objeto de análisis del presente trabajo, se han diseñado una serie de experimentos destinados a contrastar si un empleo automático resulta viable, en base a la variación de parámetros tales como la distancia de captura o la incidencia del ángulo de rayo láser sobre la superficie. El experimento se ha llevado a cabo en relación a dos etapas fundamentales e independientes, la primera de ellas busca justificar si es posible mediante herramientas estadísticas (U de Mann Whitney) la identificación univoca de las muestras coincidentes captadas con diferentes ángulos y distancias. La segunda fase ha consistido en el análisis de la posible ausencia suficiente de solapamientos entre los intervalos que comprenden las huellas de las diferentes muestras que se han considerado, con objeto de poder proponer valores para una segmentación automática de las nubes de puntos (diagramas de Box and Whiskers). Una vez se ha diseñado el experimento, y seleccionado las herramientas para contrastar la hipótesis fundamental del presente estudio, la viabilidad de aplicar la reflectancia no corregida para la caracterización automática de muestras de piedra natural, se han llevado a cabo los análisis, basados en la comparación por pares mediante la U de Mann Whitney (método idóneo dada la no normalidad de las distribuciones de las diferentes muestras, conforme a lo determinado mediante la prueba previamente realizada de Kolmogorov-Smirnov), y la representación simultánea de los diagramas de Box and Whiskers de las diferentes muestras, agrupadas conforme a los criterios requeridos para llevar a cabo los contrastes. Al margen de las pruebas desarrolladas, se ha llevado a cabo una introducción sobre aspectos relativos a la luz y su caracterización, la óptica, así como sus acontecimientos históricos más reseñables. Este análisis ha prestado especial interés al láser y sus diversas tipologías, haciendo una descripción detallada del láser escáner, dispositivo empleado para la captura, y aludiendo a sus elementos fundamentales: distanciómetro y unidad deflectora. Se han descrito igualmente algunas de las múltiples aplicaciones que tiene este tipo de equipos. Dada la aplicación que se busca contrastar en el presente trabajo, se ha llevado a cabo un breve análisis del sector de la roca ornamental en España, atendiendo a las principales zonas de producción. Se ha aludido igualmente a algunas de las principales características en base a las que evaluar la idoneidad de una determinada roca para poder ser considerada como ornamental. El experimento se ha llevado a cabo tomando las siguientes cinco muestras de piedra: Crema Pejanda, Piedra Arenisca de Aguilar, Rosalina, Marrón Belmonte y Percaro. A partir de estas cinco muestras, se capturaron lo datos mediante el laser escáner el cual se ha estacionado en dos bases, siendo a 5 y 10 metros respectivamente. En cada uno de los estacionamientos mencionados, se capturaron 35 escaneos válidos. Con objeto de poder contar con datos para el contraste a una distancia intermedia entre las anteriores, se optó por realizar un tercer escaneo a 7,5 metros, si bien dichas nubes no fueron requeridas. Una vez se han obtenido los datos, estos fueron tratados con el software de uso libre PSPP, como herramienta para analizar los estadísticos de Kolmogorov-Smirnov (enfocada al análisis de la normalidad de las muestras, con objeto de determinar qué prueba resultaría más idónea para la primera etapa del estudio), la U de Mann-Whitney y el diagrama de Box and Whiskers. Tras la evaluación de las dos metodologías, ambas desprendieron resultados negativos. La primera de ellas se basó en un contraste a través de la U de Mann-Whitney, destinado a evaluar la posibilidad de proponer una huella radiométrica basada en la reflectancia no corregida, que permita determinar la coincidencia de las muestras con independencia de ángulo y distancia. A pesar de la identificación de muestras no coincidentes en base a la reflectancia, el método no es capaz de identificar muestras idénticas ante variaciones de ángulos y distancias. En cuanto al segundo análisis, en base a diagramas de Box and Whiskers, tampoco ha resultado valido dados los notables solapamientos entre muestras no coincidentes para ángulos y distancias iguales, y la variabilidad de los valores extremos de los bigotes y de los cuartiles significativos. Todo ello lleva a desestimar la posible aplicación de la intensidad o reflectancia no corregida para la identificación automática de piedra natural en las condiciones expuestas. Puede considerarse que los principales aportes del presente trabajo son la propuesta metodológica, y los resultados del propio análisis, que justifican la no aptitud del parámetro no corregido. ABSTRACT: This Master's Thesis aims to analyze whether it is feasible to apply the radiometric information obtained from the capture by a laser scanner of different samples of ornamental rock, to carry out a characterization of them. It must be taken into account that the parameter used for the characterization will be the uncorrected reflectance or intensity, value recorded by the device when the capture is carried out. Reflectance is defined as the amount of intensity returned in relation to the intensity of the emitted laser beam, after the incidence on the surface under study. In order to carry out the contrast object of analysis of the present work, a series of experiments have been designed to contrast if an automatic use is feasible, based on the variation of parameters such as the capture distance or the incidence of the laser beam angle on the surface. The experiment has been carried out in relation to two fundamental and independent stages, the first one aims to justify if it is possible by means of statistical tools (Mann Whitney U) the univocal identification of the coincident samples captured at different angles and distances. The second phase consisted in the analysis of the possible absence of sufficient overlaps between the intervals comprising the traces of the different samples considered, in order to be able to propose values for an automatic segmentation of the point clouds (Box and Whiskers diagrams). Once the experiment has been designed, and the tools have been selected to test the fundamental hypothesis of this study, the feasibility of applying uncorrected reflectance for the automatic characterization of natural stone samples, the analyses have been carried out, based on the pairwise comparison by means of the Mann Whitney U test (suitable method given the non-normality of the distributions of the different samples, as determined by the previously performed Kolmogorov-Smirnov test), and the simultaneous representation of the Box and Whiskers diagrams of the different samples, grouped according to the criteria required to carry out the contrasts. In addition to the tests developed, an introduction has been made on aspects related to light and its characterization, optics, as well as its most important historical events. This analysis has paid special attention to the laser and its various types, with a detailed description of the laser scanner, the device used for capture, and alluding to its fundamental elements: distance meter and deflector unit. Some of the multiple applications of this type of equipment have also been described. Given the application to be contrasted in this work, a brief analysis of the ornamental rock sector in Spain has been carried out, attending to the main production areas. Some of the main characteristics on the basis of which to evaluate the suitability of a particular rock to be considered as ornamental have also been mentioned. The experiment was carried out by taking the following five stone samples: Crema Pejanda, Piedra Arenisca de Aguilar, Rosalina, Marrón Belmonte and Percaro. From these five samples, the data was captured by means of the laser scanner which has been stationed at two bases, at 5 and 10 meters respectively. In each of the parking lots mentioned above, 35 valid scans were captured. In order to be able to have data for contrast at an intermediate distance between the previous ones, a third scan at 7.5 meters was chosen, although these clouds were not required. Once the data were obtained, they were processed with the free software PSPP, as a tool for analyzing the Kolmogorov-Smirnov statistics (focused on the analysis of the normality of the samples, in order to determine which test would be more suitable for the first stage of the study), the Mann-Whitney U and the Box and Whiskers diagram. After evaluation of the two methodologies, both yielded negative results. The first one was based on a Mann-Whitney U test, aimed at evaluating the possibility of proposing a radiometric fingerprint based on uncorrected reflectance, which allows determining the coincidence of the samples independently of angle and distance. Despite the identification of mismatched samples based on reflectance, the method is not able to identify identical samples in the presence of angle and distance variations. As for the second analysis, based on Box and Whiskers plots, it has not been valid either, given the significant overlaps between mismatched samples for equal angles and distances, and the variability of the extreme values of the whiskers and of the significant quartiles. All this leads to dismiss the possible application of the intensity or uncorrected reflectance for the automatic identification of natural stone under the exposed conditions. It can be considered that the main contributions of the present work are the methodological proposal and the results of the analysis itself, which justify the unsuitability of the uncorrected parameter. Máster en Ingeniería de Minas

[SPA] Las capas de roca ornamental tienen como característica fundamental su elevada compacidad, existiendo pocas fracturas en comparación con otras capas de rocas duras, puesto que de no ser así no serían comercializables. Los efectos de los explosivos en la roca ornamental no han sido tratados de forma específica en las revistas especializadas, a pesar del interés que en la actualidad existe por utilizar este método de arranque en los casos en los que hay recubrimientos, zonas de baja calidad o escaso aprovechamiento que interesa eliminar con rapidez. Las vibraciones provocadas por las voladuras en excavaciones mineras o civiles se estudian fundamentalmente para conocer la posibilidad de que las estructuras cercanas a los frentes se vean dañadas por las ondas que provocan su movimiento, con el objetivo de encontrar las máximas cargas que pueden ser utilizadas sin riesgo. Esta tesis avanza en el conocimiento sobre el efecto de las explosiones en la roca ornamental y, más concretamente, en la extensión del daño del explosivo utilizado en las voladuras que se utilizan para eliminar recubrimientos o zonas no aprovechables. La principal diferencia en relación con las estructuras radica en que los daños, en este caso, se producen en las proximidades de la fuente, en las primeras decenas de metros. El objetivo fundamental es intentar conocer para cada capa la distancia máxima que podemos avanzar con voladuras y sin necesidad de preparar planos de corte para preservar la roca, lo que retrasa el resto de las operaciones. Para el desarrollo de este documento, que sintetiza los trabajos realizados y sus resultados, se incluye un capítulo de introducción en el que se justifica el interés de mejorar todos los aspectos del proceso de explotación y comercialización del Sector de la Piedra, y por supuesto, dentro de estos, las labores de extracción entre las que se encuentran la de arranque mediante voladuras. Seguidamente se desarrolla el capítulo de estado actual de la cuestión, las teorías básicas de propagación de ondas y transmisión de vibraciones, los factores que pueden afectar la mayor o menor energía de transmisión. Se repasan los modelos de predicción de las vibraciones y su medida, así como las normas de prevención de daños en estructuras, para terminar, estableciendo las tensiones que los frentes de presión ocasionan en la roca y revisando los casos de estudio de las sobre excavaciones, como antecedente de gran interés. La secuencia metodológica utilizada se explica paso a paso, mostrando la necesidad de realizar los registros de campo, ensayos mecánicos de laboratorio y prospección de las ondas sísmicas y, sobre todo explicando la integración de los datos y variables para conseguir los resultados de observación intermedios y de cálculo finales. Se ha cubierto una intensa labor de revisión de los métodos de ajuste, incorporando nuevos procedimientos poco utilizados, como la estimación lineal múltiple o la estimación parcial de coeficientes de las leyes de amortiguación. El siguiente paso ha consistido en aplicar la metodología sobre cada uno de los 4 casos que se exponen, correspondientes a calizas marmóreas o areniscas, siendo el de la cantera Alpi, en el Monte Coto de Pinoso, el que constituye el eje central del trabajo y sus conclusiones, estableciendo con éste la base de los resultados y contrastando la metodología con el resto que casos. Un análisis más profundo se desarrolla a lo largo del capítulo 6, depurando los datos de los registros de vibraciones, y probando otras leyes de transmisión basadas en las características geomecánicas o en datos teóricos de vibraciones obtenidos en la zona de plastificación. Se puede comprobar finalmente, no solo por los cálculos sino también por los resultados en cantera, que las distancias de daño que se pronosticaron en el primer estudio del año 2016 pueden reducirse ahora, pudiendo afirmar que la ley de trasmisión más extendida, la de la USBM, es bastante conservadora. Las principales conclusiones con respecto a la metodología y resultados en relación con el daño a las rocas ornamentales provocados por las voladuras, así como las líneas de investigación en las que seguir avanzando se incluyen en el capítulo 7. Parte de los contenidos de esta Tesis han sido ya publicados en una revista situada en Q1 de minería (Trigueros et al., 2017) con una cita externa y en un congreso de minería en Chile (Cánovas et al., 2017). [ENG] Ornamental rock layers have an essential characteristic that is their high compactness, these are few fractured compared to other hard rock beds, since otherwise they could not be commercialized. Effects of explosives on ornamental rock have not been a usual topic in specialized journals, although using this digging method is of current interest in those situations where are thick overburdens, low quality or little profit areas. This method is adequate to eliminate this material quickly. Vibrations caused by blasting in mining or civil excavations are mainly studied to know the possibility that structures surrounding the fronts are damaged by the waves that cause their movement, and these studies are makes to find the maximum loads that can be used without risk. This thesis goes ahead in the knowledge about the effect of the explosions in the ornamental rock mass, more specifically, in the length of damage of the explosive in the blasting when is used to eliminate overburden or profitless zones. The main difference in relation to the structures case is that in our subject the damage occurs near the source, normally in the first tens of meters. The principal goal for each rock layer is to try knowing the distance that we can advance with blasting without the need to prepare cutting plans to preserve the rock what would delay the rest of the operations. In this document, which summarizes the work carried out and its results, an introductory chapter is included in which the interest to improve all aspects of the exploitation and commercialization process of the Stone Sector is incorporated. In these aspects that improve the extraction work is where we find the blasting operations. Next, we present the chapter on the current state of the matter, including the basic theories of wave propagation and the transmission of vibrations and the factors that can affect the best or worst transmission of energy. The models of prediction of vibrations and their measurement, as well as the norms of prevention of damages in structures, are reviewed to finish establishing the tensions caused by pressure fronts in the rock and to review the cases of study of the over excavations, as a background of great interest. The methodological sequence used is explained step by step, showing the need to perform the field records, mechanical laboratory tests and seismic wave survey and explaining the integration of the data and variables to achieve the intermediate observation values and final assessments results. We have made an intensive task of reviewing the adjustment methods, adopting new procedures that are not widely used, such as multiple linear estimation or partial estimation of the coefficients of transmission laws. Next step was applying the methodology to each of the 4 cases that are analyzed, corresponding to marble limestones or sandstones, being the Alpi quarry, in Monte Coto de Pinoso, which constitutes the central axis of the work and its conclusions, establishing these outcomes as basis of the results and contrasting the methodology with the rest of cases. A deeper analysis is developed throughout chapter 6, debugging the data from the vibration records and testing other transmission laws based on the geomechanical characteristics or theoretical data of vibrations obtained in the plasticization zone. Finally, it can be verified, not only by the calculations but also by the results in quarry, that the distances of damage that were predicted in the first study of the year 2016 can be reduced now, being able to affirm that the law of transmission widespread used, the USBM one, is quite conservative. The main conclusions regarding methodology and results in relation to damage to ornamental rocks caused by blasting and the researching focus to keep advancing are included in chapter 7. Part of the contents of this thesis have already been published in a journal that is in the first quarter of mining publications (Trigueros et al., 2017) and have already been cited externally and in a mining congress in Chile (Cánovas et al., 2017). Escuela Internacional de Doctorado de la Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena Programa de Doctorado en Tecnología y Modelización en Ingeniería Civil, Minera y Ambiental

Submitted by Julio Cesar de Pontes (julio.pontes@ifrn.edu.br) on 2017-07-25T11:29:31Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Ranieri de Araújo Pereira.pdf: 5691018 bytes, checksum: 6c7153f1daf3a8c0edbb151bdd03037c (MD5) Approved for entry into archive by Maria Ilza da Costa (maria.ilza@ifrn.edu.br) on 2017-08-16T16:42:12Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 Ranieri de Araújo Pereira.pdf: 5691018 bytes, checksum: 6c7153f1daf3a8c0edbb151bdd03037c (MD5) Made available in DSpace on 2017-08-16T16:42:12Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Ranieri de Araújo Pereira.pdf: 5691018 bytes, checksum: 6c7153f1daf3a8c0edbb151bdd03037c (MD5) Previous issue date: 2017-07-19 A mineração de rochas ornamentais figura como importante atividade econômica para o Estado do Rio Grande do Norte. Entretanto, é válido ressaltar que a mineração de rocha ornamental produz grandes volumes de resíduos sólidos na operação de lavra. Este trabalho versa sobre o diagnóstico ambiental e de processos com vistas à implementação de ferramenta de gestão ambiental de Produção Mais Limpa de uma lavra de rocha ornamental. O estudo de caso foi realizado entre os anos de 2016 e 2017, na pedreira da empresa Granorte - Mineração de Mármores e Granitos do Rio Grande do Norte, localizada no sítio Boa Vista dos Negros em Parelhas-RN. O diagnóstico para implementação de técnicas de Produção Mais Limpa para lavra de rocha ornamental com foco na minimização de resíduos seguiu a metodologia do Centro Nacional de Tecnologias Limpas do SENAI que abrange etapas como o comprometimento gerencial através de sensibilização, identificação de barreiras e soluções, elaboração do fluxograma da atividade de lavra e diagnóstico ambiental e de processos. As atividades programadas foram desenvolvidas e organizadas envolvendo pesquisa bibliográfica e levantamento de dados, estudo de campo e trabalhos de laboratório. A pesquisa bibliográfica foi realizada através de consulta em banco de dados, revistas, periódicos e livros. Para o estudo de caso foram realizadas visitas a área da pedreira para obtenção de informações e observações. Foram realizadas reuniões para o convencimento da gerência da necessidade da Produção Mais Limpa, coleta de amostras de resíduos para análise em laboratório. No Laboratório de Caracterização de Minerais/Materiais - LACAMM -DIAREN do Instituto Federal do Rio Grande do Norte (IFRN), foram realizada as análises químicas do tipo Fluorescência de Raio-X. Essas análises identificaram pequenos traços de elemento de terras raras como também a presença de óxido de silício em percentuais que podem ser aproveitados. O estudo resultou que mais de 90% em massa dos resíduos sólidos gerados são fragmentos de rochas provenientes das frentes de lavra. Entretanto, os resultados também demonstraram que técnicas de Produção Mais Limpa como modificações no processo e boas práticas operacionais com base no planejamento de mina e com a definição de avanços de lavra através de análises de geologia estrutural, podem diminuir significativamente perdas e consequentemente a geração de resíduos. E que a reciclagem interna e externa é uma alternativa para o resíduo que se encontra armazenado. Palavras-chave: Diagnóstico. Produção Mais Limpa. Rocha Ornamental. Lavra. Resíduos Sólidos. The mining of ornamental rocks is an important economic activity for the State of Rio Grande do Norte. However, it is worth mentioning that ornamental rock mining produces large volumes of solid waste in the mining operation. This paper deals with the environmental and process diagnosis with a view to implementing the Cleaner Production environmental management tool. The case study was carried out between 2016 and 2017, in the quarry of the company Granorte - Mineração de Mármores e Granitos do Rio Grande do Norte, located in the Boa Vista dos Negros site in Parelhas-RN. The objective of this work was to diagnose the solid waste generation situation in the mining fronts. The diagnosis for the implementation of Cleaner Production techniques for ornamental rock mining followed the methodology of SENAI's National Center for Clean Technologies. It has had as stages, the managerial commitment through sensitization, identification of barriers and solutions, elaboration of the flow chart of the mining activity and environmental and process diagnosis. The programmed activities were developed and organized involving bibliographical research and data collection of the mining process, field visit and lab work. The bibliographic research was done through consultation in databases, magazines, periodicals and books. For the case study visits were made to the quarry area to obtain information and observations of the production process. Two residue samples were collected for X-Ray Fluorescence type chemical analysis. These analyzes identified small trace elements of rare earth elements, as well as the presence of silicon oxide in percentages that can be used. The amount of rock and soil moved during the study period was 17,487.00 tons, of which 11,768.75 were discarded for the waste pile, and 5,718.25 tons as a block product. The study identified that 99.97% by mass of the solid residues generated in the mining fronts are fragments of rocks. However, the results have also shown that Cleaner Production techniques such as process modifications and the application of good operating practices based on mine planning and the definition of mining advances through structural geology analyzes can significantly reduce losses and Consequently the generation of waste. And that internal and external recycling through mineral processing for waste use in construction and other industries are alternatives to the residue that is stored in the form of sterile piles.

En la zona Bética Externa, se encuentran depósitos de travertinos coloreados de valor como rocas ornamentales cuyas características petrofísicas son poco conocidas. Están en relación con fallas activas. Las canteras de travertino se sitúan en Alhama de Almería, Albox (Almería) y Baños de Mula (Murcia). Estos travertinos forman parte de la última etapa del relleno de las cuencas terciarias postectónicas béticas (Pleistoceno) y generalmente aparecen espacialmente asociados a episodios tobáceos. El objetivo de este trabajo es definir las facies de estos travertinos y las características petrofísicas que presentan con vistas a su utilización como roca ornamental. Predominan en ellos las facies bandeadas (1 - 10 cm). Su porosidad es variable (5 - 15%) consistente en una microporosidad bastante homogénea, con moda (0.005-0.05 µm) ligada al carbonato micrítico, y una familia de poros menos seleccionada entre 0.05-2 µm asociada a cristales de mayor tamaño. La macroporosidad de tamaño y disposición variable es un rasgo característico de estos travertinos. El coeficiente de absorción capilar es muy anisótropo y varía mucho en los diferentes travertinos estudiados. El valor mínimo encontrado en travertinos comercializados ha sido de 1.42 (g/m\(^2\)s\(^0\)\(^.\)\(^5\)) en dirección oblicua a la estructura en el travertino Rojo Alhama y el máximo de 10.71 (g/m\(^2\)s\(^0\)\(^.\)\(^5\)) en dirección paralela a la estructura en el travertino de Albox. Su resistencia es notablemente anisótropa, encontrando valores de resistencia a compresión que pueden llegar a alcanzar 68 MPa en dirección perpendicular al bandeado. Cortados en dicha dirección constituyen una roca ornamental de buena calidad dentro de la categoría de mármoles comerciales., Instituto de Geología Económica, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas y Universidad Complutense de Madrid, España, Laboratorio de Petrología Aplicada, Universidad de Alicante, España, Departamento de Ciencias de la Tierra y del Medio Ambiente, Universidad de Alicante, España, Instituto Geológico y Minero de España, España

69. Aulinas M., Cabrera L., Alías G., Becerra M., Casadellà J., Clotet R., Delclós X., Fernández-Turiel J. L., Geyer A., Tarragó M., Travé A. Barcelona Rocks: una App para los que quieren aprender geología en su ciudad. Comunicaciones XIX Simposio sobre Enseñanza de la Geología. Geoparc Mundial UNESCO de la Catalunya Central, Manresa. 11-16 julio 2016. pp. 55-61., [EN] Barcelona Rocks is an application for personal mobile devices (Android and iOS versions) suitable for secondary and high school students as well as people without background in Earth Sciences. The main objective of this App is to learn geology using the city facades and pavings of two emblematic spaces of the city of Barcelona, the Passeig de Gràcia and the Barri Gòtic. The application also shows the historical evolution of the use of rocks which beautify the buildings of the city., [ES] Barcelona Rocks es una aplicación para dispositivos móviles personales (con versiones para Android y iOS) apta para ser utilizada por estudiantes de Enseñanza Secundaria Obligatoria (ESO) y Bachillerato, y para el público en general, con el objetivo de aprender geología a partir de recursos didácticos proporcionados por las rocas de las fachadas y pavimentos de dos zonas emblemáticas de la ciudad de Barcelona como son el Passeig de Gràcia y el Barri Gòtic. La aplicación muestra también la evolución histórica del uso de las rocas que embellecen los edificios de la ciudad., Esta propuesta educativa se enmarca en un proyecto financiado por la Fundación Española para la Ciencia y la Tecnología, FECYT (ref. 8524)

BCN Rocks is an application (App) for personal mobile devices (Android and iOS versions) suitable for secondary and high school students as well as people without background in Earth Sciences. The main objective of this App is to learn geology using the city facades and pavements of two emblematic spaces of the city of Barcelona, the Passeig de Gràcia and the Barri Gòtic. The application has three main sections (ELEMENTS, EXPLORE, and LABORATORY) that are intended to satisfy the different needs of users. In the first section, Elements, the user will find all the information about rocks forming the selected buildings as well as a brief explanation about the history and architecture of each edifice. The second section, Explore, aims to arise the curiosity of users. In this sense, several routes are proposed according to different criteria including geographic position and age of the edifices. Finally, the third section, Laboratory, allows all users to investigate several geological aspects by means of interactive experiments., Este trabajo se enmarca en un proyecto financiado por la Fundación Española para la Ciencia y la Tecnología, FECYT (ref. 8524) en el que ha participado la Universitat de Barcelona, el Instituto de Ciencias de la Tierra Jaume Almera del Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (ICTJA-CSIC) y la empresa FUSTA. AG agradece su contrato Ramón y Cajal (RYC-2012-11024).

CAPEs Este trabalho consiste na avaliação dos resultados obtidos por meio de análise petrográfica e ensaios tecnológicos de sete litotipos de colorações cinza e amarela do Espírito Santo (Cinza Andorinha, Cinza Corumbá, Arabesco e Santa Cecília) e do Nordeste (Cinza Pocinhos, Cinza Corumbá e Amarelo Ipanema). Estes materiais são utilizados como rochas ornamentais e a determinação das correlações existentes entre essas características têm fundamental importância na investigação do desempenho e da durabilidade da rocha na função que lhe é destinada. Em se tratando de rochas de composição granítica, os resultados obtidos foram comparados àqueles estabelecidos pelas normas ABNT NBR 15844 (brasileira) e ASTM C 615 (americana). Segundo a NBR 15844 da ABNT, os ensaios necessários para a caracterização de rochas com finalidade ornamental são: análise petrográfica, índices físicos, resistência à flexão, resistência ao impacto de corpo duro, resistência à compressão, congelamento e degelo conjugados à compressão, desgaste Amsler e dilatação térmica, embora nem todos tenham sido realizados para os vários tipos de rochas estudados. Problemas técnicos impediram algumas análises. Os resultados dos materiais cinzas, independentemente de sua origem, são compatíveis com aqueles preconizados pela NBR 15844 e ASTM C 615, entretanto, os de coloração amarela apresentam valores muito próximos dos limites das normas. Isto pode ser explicado a partir da cor que é indício de processos de alteração, principalmente de minerais ferromagnesianos, (oxidação, hidroxidação, hidratação) que modificam as características de resistências dos materiais através de aumento de porosidade e absorção de água aparentes. Sabe-se que o aumento de porosidade diminui a resistência à compressão e consequentemente a resistência à tração (flexão). A maioria dos litotipos estudados apresentam valores adequados para utilização como material ornamental, com restrições para os litotipos de coloração amarela, que necessitam de impermeabilização quando de seu uso em áreas úmidas. Observa-se ainda que uma análise petrográfica/mineralógica mais aprofundada dos litotipos é recomendada para a previsão e aferição das propriedades físicas e mecânicas, bem como a correlação dos mesmos, com outros ensaios tecnológicos não apresentados neste trabalho para os litotipos estudados. This work consists in the evaluation of the results obtained through petrographic analysis and technological tests of seven gray and yellow lithotypes from Espirito Santo, (Cinza Andorinha, Cinza Corumbá, Arabesco and Santa Cecília) and Brazil Northeast (Cinza Pocinhos, Cinza Corumbá and Amarelo Ipanema). These materials are used as ornamental rocks and the existing correlations among these traits have fundamental importance in performance and durability researches from the rock for the function which is intended. When it comes to rocks of granitic composition, the results obtained were compared to those established by the standards ABNT NBR 15844 (Brazilian) and ASTM C 615 (American). According to NBR ABNT 15844, the necessary tests for characterization of rocks with ornamental purpose are: petrographic analysis, physical indexes, flexural strength, impact resistance of hard body, compressive strength, freezing and thawing combined to compression, wear Amsler and thermal expansion, although not all of them have been carried out for the various rock types studied. Technical problems prevented some analysis. The results of grey materials, independently, are compatible with those recommended by NBR 15844 and ASTM C 615, however, the yellow rocks values are very close to the limits of the rules. This can be explained from the color that is indication of change processes, mainly ferromagnesian, mineral (rust, hidroxidation, moisturizing) that modify the resistance characteristics of materials through increased porosity and water absorption. It is known that the increase of porosity decreases the compressive strength and tensile strength (bending). Most of the lithotypes studied present suitable values for use as ornamental material, with restrictions to the lithotypes of yellow colour, in need of proofing when its use in humid areas. Note that further petrographic/mineralogical analysis of lithotypes is recommended for the prediction and measurement of physical and mechanical properties, as well as the correlation of the same with other technological tests presented in this work to the lithotypes.

In this paper we propose a methodology to estimate the recovery percentage for each of the products which can be obtained from the exploitation of an ornamental granite quarry: block, semiblock, masonry-transverse stone, and the smaller materials that can be used to obtain construction aggregates. This methodology ensures that quarry exploitation is exhaustive, thereby minimising the production of spoils and the consequent negative impact on the environment. The analysis is based on a detailed and exhaustive compilation of discontinuity data from the research fronts, which are then interpreted statistically and projected over the three weakness planes that are a particular feature of ornamental granite deposits. Using this information, and bearing in mind the minimum commercially viable sizes for each kind of granite, the corresponding recovery rates are calculated for each material in each plane. The results are then integrated using spatial techniques, and the result is an evaluation of quarry contents with a view to total exploitation. This methodology was applied to a quarry in the opening phase in order to carry out an a priori assessment of the economic feasibility of the quarry., En este trabajo se propone una metodología para estimar el porcentaje de recuperación de cada uno de los productos que se pueden obtener en la explotación de una cantera de granito ornamental: bloque, semibloque, manpostería y per piaños, y material restante destinado a la obtención de áridos. De esta manera se logra un aprovechamiento integral de la cantera, evitándose la generación de estériles y el subsiguiente impacto ambiental producido por éstos. La metodología de análisis se basa en la recopilación detallada y exhaustiva de datos de discontinuidades en los frentes de investigación, que se interpretan estadísticamente y se proyectan sobre los tres planos de debilidad propios del granito ornamental. Con esta información, y las dimensiones mínimas comerciales de referencia para cada tipo de material, se realiza el cálculo de las recuperaciones correspondientes de cada material en cada plano y los resultados de recuperación sobre estos tres planos se integran mediante técnicas espaciales; obteniéndose la evaluación de los recursos en la cantera para su aprovechamiento integral. La metodología ha sido aplicada a una cantera en fase de apertura para realizar una valoración inicial de su viabililidad económica.

Las serpentinitas son rocas que, dentro de la industria de la roca ornamental, han sido tradicionalmente incluidas dentro del grupo de los mármoles, sin que se hayan llevado a cabo estudios sistemáticos de las mismas. En la Comarca de Macael afloran masas de serpentinita, con contenido en carbonato variable, que son beneficiadas por las diferentes empresas del sector. Estas serpentinitas, frecuentemente transformadas a carbonatos, presentan características muy diferentes en función de este grado de carbonatación, por lo que presentarán comportamientos distintos una vez emplazadas en edificios. También se verán afectadas por procesos de alteración diferente. Este hecho se ha puesto de manifiesto mediante la caracterización de las principales propiedades mineralógicas, físicas y mecánicas de muestras procedentes de dos explotaciones mineras dist, Serpentinites are rocks which in the ornamental rocks industry have traditionally been included in the group of marbles, without systematic studies of them. In the Macael region outcrops mass of serpentinites with a variable content in carbonates, that are mined by different companies. These serpentinites, frequently transformed into carbonates, have very different characteristics according this carbonatation degree, so that will have different behaviour once emplaced in buildings. They also can be affected by different decay processes. This fact has been demonstrated by the characterization of the main mineralogical, physical and mechanical properties of samples from two different quarries

Las serpentinitas son rocas que, dentro de la industria de la roca ornamental, han sido tradicionalmente incluidas dentro del grupo de los mármoles, sin que se hayan llevado a cabo estudios sistemáticos de las mismas. En la Comarca de Macael afloran masas de serpentinita, con contenido en carbonato variable, que son beneficiadas por las diferentes empresas del sector. Estas serpentinitas, frecuentemente transformadas a carbonatos, presentan características muy diferentes en función de este grado de carbonatación, por lo que presentarán comportamientos distintos una vez emplazadas en edificios. También se verán afectadas por procesos de alteración diferente. Este hecho se ha puesto de manifiesto mediante la caracterización de las principales propiedades mineralógicas, físicas y mecánicas de muestras procedentes de dos explotaciones mineras dist Serpentinites are rocks which in the ornamental rocks industry have traditionally been included in the group of marbles, without systematic studies of them. In the Macael region outcrops mass of serpentinites with a variable content in carbonates, that are mined by different companies. These serpentinites, frequently transformed into carbonates, have very different characteristics according this carbonatation degree, so that will have different behaviour once emplaced in buildings. They also can be affected by different decay processes. This fact has been demonstrated by the characterization of the main mineralogical, physical and mechanical properties of samples from two different quarries

Large amounts of solid wastes are discarded in the ornamental rocks industry. This work investigates the incorporation of ornamental rock-cutting waste as a raw material into an aluminous porcelain body, replacing natural feldspar material by up to 35 wt.%. Formulations containing rock-cutting waste were pressed and sintered at 1350 °C. The porcelain pieces were tested to determine their properties (linear shrinkage, water absorption, apparent density, mechanical strength, and electrical resistivity). Development of the microstructure was followed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses. The results showed that ornamental rock-cutting waste could be used in aluminous porcelains, in the range up to 10 wt.%, as a partial replacement for traditional flux material, resulting in a valid route for management of this abundant waste.

Apresenta-se o diagnóstico da análise de 130 processos de licenciamento e fiscalização ambiental oriundos de 81 pedreiras de rochas ornamentais, localizadas em cinco municípios da região centro-sul de Minas Gerais (Campo Belo, Candeias, Oliveira, São Francisco de Paula, Cláudio). Tais processos estão arquivados na Fundação Estadual do Meio Ambiente de Minas Gerais - FEAM. Da análise desses processos, juntamente com as visitas ao campo, constatou-se o desrespeito dos empreendedores aos autos de infração e às medidas mitigadoras propostas e exigidas pela FEAM. Conseqüentemente, muitos processos são arquivados ou ficam pendentes. O resultado mais visível desse imbróglio é que, na região em análise, nenhuma área de extração de rochas ornamentais foi submetida a processo de recuperação ambiental, evidenciando a externalização de impactos e correspondentes custos sociais para desconforto da população da região. Os efeitos recentes da atividade de extração de rochas ornamentais tornam-se ainda mais severos na medida em que, sobretudo nos municípios de Candeias e São Francisco de Paula, diversas áreas foram paralisadas por razões de mercado, com conseqüente redução da oferta de trabalho para a população local. The diagnosis of the analysis of 130 environmental licensing and fiscalization processes regarding 81 ornamental stone quarries, located in five municipalities of the central-southern region of Minas Gerais State (Campo Belo, Candeias, Oliveira, São Francisco de Paula and Cláudio) is presented. These processes have been filed in the Minas Gerais Statal Foundation for the Environment - FEAM (Fundação Estadual do Meio Ambiente de Minas Gerais). The analysis of the processes, coupled with field work, revealed the lack of respect of the enterprises toward the infraction proceedings and mitigating measures proposed and required by FEAM. Consequently, several processes have been filed or pigeon-holed. The most visible result of such obstacle is that there has not been a single area of ornamental stone extraction in the study region under environmental recovery, which has been causing social impacts and costs. The recent effects of such extraction activies are even worse, specially in Candeias and São Francisco de Paula, because in several areas mining was paralized due to market and job decreases.

The ornamental rock industry generates huge amounts of wastes during the process of extraction and sawing of rock blocks. The ornamental rock powder waste is a non-biodegradable material, which represents the increase in environmental problem. The waste was collected from a granitic rock sawing plant located in Santo Antônio de Pádua, Rio de Janeiro. The chemical-environmental characterization and classification of the waste were done according to ABNT standards. The results showed that the granitic rock powder waste should be classified as Class II A - "No Inert", because of its high concentrations of lead, chrome, iron and manganese.

Apresenta-se o diagnóstico da análise de 130 processos de licenciamento e fiscalização ambiental oriundos de 81 pedreiras de rochas ornamentais, localizadas em cinco municípios da região centro-sul de Minas Gerais (Campo Belo, Candeias, Oliveira, São Francisco de Paula, Cláudio). Tais processos estão arquivados na Fundação Estadual do Meio Ambiente de Minas Gerais - FEAM. Da análise desses processos, juntamente com as visitas ao campo, constatou-se o desrespeito dos empreendedores aos autos de infração e às medidas mitigadoras propostas e exigidas pela FEAM. Consequentemente, muitos processos são arquivados ou ficam pendentes. O resultado mais visível desse imbróglio é que, na região em análise, nenhuma área de extração de rochas ornamentais foi submetida a processo de recuperação ambiental, evidenciando a externalização de impactos e correspondentes custos sociais para desconforto da população da região. Os efeitos recentes da atividade de extração de rochas ornamentais tornam-se ainda mais severos na medida em que, sobretudo nos municípios de Candeias e São Francisco de Paula, diversas áreas foram paralisadas por razões de mercado, com consequente redução da oferta de trabalho para a população local. The diagnosis of the analysis of 130 environmental licensing and fiscalization processes regarding 81 ornamental stone quarries, located in five municipalities of the central-southern region of Minas Gerais State (Campo Belo, Candeias, Oliveira, São Francisco de Paula and Cláudio) is presented. These processes have been filed in the Minas Gerais Statal Foundation for the Environment - FEAM (Fundação Estadual do Meio Ambiente de Minas Gerais). The analysis of the processes, coupled with field work, revealed the lack of respect of the enterprises toward the infraction proceedings and mitigating measures proposed and required by FEAM.Consequently, several processes have been filed or pigeon-holed. The most visible result of such obstacle is that there has not been a single area of ornamental stone extraction in the study region under environmental recovery, which has been causing social impacts and costs. The recent effects of such extraction activies are even worse, specially in Candeias and São Francisco de Paula, because in several areas mining was paralized due to market and job decreases.

Submitted by Maria Medeiros (maria.dilva1@ufcg.edu.br) on 2018-09-24T13:22:31Z No. of bitstreams: 1 ANTONO AUGUSTO PEREIRA DE SOUSA - TESE (PPGEP) 2007.pdf: 1426545 bytes, checksum: 83eb8c3bb345a67ce10d7dedea6c4ace (MD5) Made available in DSpace on 2018-09-24T13:22:31Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 ANTONO AUGUSTO PEREIRA DE SOUSA - TESE (PPGEP) 2007.pdf: 1426545 bytes, checksum: 83eb8c3bb345a67ce10d7dedea6c4ace (MD5) Previous issue date: 2007-09-14 O Brasil têm participação significativa no mercado mundial de rochas ornamentais e o Nordeste vem se destacando como uma região de granitos exclusivos e de grande aceitação no mercado externo, especialmente, no fornecimento de blocos. O emprego de argamassa expansiva para desmonte de rochas ornamentais, vem sendo um dos métodos mais procurados pelas indústrias extrativas, por suas inúmeras vantagens, ante os outros métodos para lavra. Entretanto, os aspectos econômicos inibem o incremento do uso de argamassa expansiva no Brasil, devido ao elevado custo, por se tratar de um produto importado. O objetivo deste trabalho é estudar algumas matérias-primas de origem nacional, especialmente, minerais não-metálicos do nordeste brasileiro, visando à obtenção de argamassa expansiva. Para desenvolvimento deste trabalho foram realizados ensaios de caracterização como fluorescência de raios-X (FRX), microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV), difração de raios-X (DRX), granulometria a laser e análises térmicas (ATD e ATG) e propriedade tecnológica da pressão de expansão das argamassas comerciais para utilizá-las como padrão, em seguida, foram estudadas composições preliminares de argamassa de diferentes formulações. Durante o estudo foi projetado e executado um equipamento para medição da pressão de expansão das argamassas. Os resultados indicaram que as formulações estudadas apresentaram características e desempenho próximos aos das argamassas comerciais. Os resultados obtidos indicaram a utilização do carbonato como principal matéria-prima para a obtenção do constituinte CaO que é o responsável pela pressão de expansão que provoca o desmonte de rochas ornamentais pelo uso de argamassa expansiva. Finalmente, foi desenvolvida e aplicada in loco num bloco de granito uma argamassa teste com 70% de CaO, 20% de CaCO3,10% de Cimento e 4% de retardador Industrial a base de carboximetilcelulose (CMC), hidratada com 42% de H20 potável, provocando a ruptura num período de 29 horas após a aplicação. Brazil has significant participation in the ornamental rock world market and the Northeast of Brazil is outstanding as a region with fashionable granite and with great acceptation in the outside market, especially in the blocks supply. The use of expansive mortar to ornamental rock dismount is become one of most important method in the extractive industries, due to their advantages when compared with other methods. However, the economic aspects inhibit the increase in the use of expansive mortar in Brazil, due to elevated costs, once is an imported product. The aim of this work is to study some national raw materials, mainly non-metallic minerals from Brazilian northeast region, to obtain expansive mortar. To development of the research it was done characterization analysis (X-ray fluorescence (XRF), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), particle size by laser and thermal analysis (DTA and TG)) and technological properties measurement (expansion pressure) for the commercial mortar, to be used as a standard. It was studied some preliminary formulations and from this it was proposed the construction of a laboratory equipment to measure the expansion pressure of the mortars. The results indicate that the formulation show performance and characteristics close to the commercial mortars. The results also indicate the use of calcium carbonate as the main raw material to produce CaO, which is responsible for the expansion pressure and for the dismount of the ornamental rocks by expansive mortar. Finally, it was developed in laboratory and applied “in loco” in a granite block an expansive mortar with 70% of CaO, 20% of CaCO3, 10% of cement and 4% of industrial additive (carboxyl methyl cellulose) with 42% of brackish water and a rupture of the rock occurred with 29 hours after employed.

En este trabajo se propone una metodología para estimar el porcentaje de recuperación de cada uno de los productos que se pueden obtener en la explotación de una cantera de granito ornamental: bloque. semibloque, manipostería y perpiaños, y material restante destinado a la obtención de áridos. De esta manera se logra un aprovechamiento integral de la cantera, evitándose la generación de estériles y el subsiguiente impac¬to ambiental producido por éstos. La metodología de análisis se basa en la recopilación detallada y exhaustiva de datos de discontinuidades en los frentes de investigación, que se inter-pretan estadísticamente y se proyectan sobre los tres planos de debilidad propios del granito ornamental. Con esta informa-ción, y las dimensiones mínimas comerciales de referencia para cada tipo de material, se realiza el cálculo de las recuperacio¬nes correspondientes de cada material en cada plano y los resultados de recuperación sobre estos tres planos se integran mediante técnicas espaciales; obteniéndose la evaluación de los recursos en la cantera para su aprovechamiento integral. La metodología ha sido aplicada a una cantera en jase de aper¬tura para realizar una valoración inicial de su viabililidad económica., In this paper we propose a methodology to estimate the recovery percentage for each of the products which can be obtained from the exploitation of an ornamental granite quarry: block, semi¬block, masonry-transverse stone, and the smaller materials that can be used to obtain construction aggregates. This methodology ensures that quarry exploitation is exhaustive, thereby minimising the production of spoils and the consequent negative impact on the environment. The analysis is based on a detailed and exhaustive compilation of discontinuity data from the research fronts, which are then interpreted statistically and projected over the three weakness planes that are a particular feature of ornamental granite deposits. Using this information, and bearing in mind the minimum commercially viable sizes for each kind of granite, the corresponding recovery rates are calculated for each material in each plane. The results are then integrated using spatial techniques, and the result is an evaluation of quarry contents with a view to total exploitation. This methodology was applied to a quarry in the opening phase in order to carry out an a priori assessment of the economic feasibility of the quarry.

Ornamental stones are commonly used in urban areas, particularly in the Abidjan region where their beauty vies with their range. Given this, the concern of the beholder of these ornamental materials is to know how they will behave in the bad weather conditions and other climatic changes observed continuously or almost everyday in tropical rain areas. It is this concern which prompted the present study whose objective is to carry out experiments about the evolution of some kinds of ornamental materials by reproducing tropical-rain-area meteorological phenomena in a laboratory. For this reason, this study consists in designing a model of tropical rain climate and performing experiments in vitro to test the apparatus used to create the relevant weather conditions. To do this, the following variables were taken into account in the study: the speed of raindrop impacts (2,3 m.s-1), calorific energy and its fluctuations expressed in surface temperature ranging from 24° C to 76° C, the hygrometric environment which varies from saturations (rains and nightly dewdrops) and a RH of 85%, as well as wetness (51 metres of water per hour). Prototypes of ornamental stones made of Ivorian ornamental rock deposits from Okrouyo (syenite) and Yakala (rose granite) were used as samples to test the apparatus. At each stage of a 6, 9 and 12-month experiment, the samples were digitalised. Later, using Visilog 5.4 (Noesis, 2001) and Paint Shop Pro 5.0 (Jasc Sofware, 1998), the colour image analysis of the digitalised pictures was started as the most appropriate mode of investigation for comparing the pictures obtained at the different stages of the experiment and those existing at the start. This comparison exercise consisted in removing the initial pictures from those obtained at the different stages of digitalisation. The study of the pictures derived from the removal of the initial ones revealed that there exists a similarity between the areas of ferrallitisation a consequence of the weathering into tropical rain climate, and the area generated through the experimental design proposed herein., Les roches ornementales sont d'un usage généralisé dans les agglomérations urbaines notamment dans la région d'Abidjan où leur beauté la dispute à leur diversité. Dès lors, le souci qui habite l'utilisateur potentiel de ces matériaux ornementaux, est de savoir quel peut être leur comportement, face aux intempéries et autres changements climatiques qui sont le lot permanent ou quasi quotidien des zones tropicales humides. C'est la recherche d'une réponse à cette préoccupation qui a motivé ce travail, dont l'objectif final est de conduire, sous conditions météorologiques de la zone tropicale humide reproduites au laboratoire, des expérimentations relatives à l'évolution des certains types de matériaux ornementaux. Le présent travail a donc porté sur la formalisation d'un modèle de climat tropical humide, ainsi que, sur des expérimentations in vitro, en vue de tester le dispositif expérimental devant mettre en œuvre les conditions climatiques subséquentes. De ce fait, la conception de ce dispositif expérimental a pris en compte les paramètres que sont: la vitesse d'impact des gouttes de pluie (2,3 m.s-1), l'énergie calorifique et ses fluctuations qui s'expriment en des températures à la surface du sol variant entre 24 °C et 76°C, l'environnement hygrométrique qui oscille entre les saturations (pluies, et rosées nocturnes) et HR (humidité relative) égale à 85%, ainsi que la pluviosité (51 mètres d'eau par heure). Des plaques polies issues des gisements ivoiriens de roches ornementales d'Okrouyo (syénite) et de Yakala (granite rose) ont servi d'échantillons pour tester le dispositif expérimental. Au bout de 6, 9, et 12 mois, on a numérisé des images de la surface polie des échantillons. Par la suite, à l'aide des logiciels Visilog 5.4 (Noesis, 2001) et Paint Shop Pro 5.0 (Jasc Software, 1998), on a mis en œuvre l'analyse colorimétrique d'images numérisées, retenue comme le mode d'investigation le plus approprié pour comparer les images obtenues à 12 mois, avec celles de départ. Cette comparaison a procédé par soustraction des images de départ, de celles à l'issue de 12 mois d'essai L'étude des images issues des opérations de soustraction a dégagé qu'il existe une analogie entre le milieu de ferrallitisation, conséquence de l'altération météorique en climat tropical humide, et le milieu généré par la mise en œuvre du dispositif expérimental qu'on propose. Elle a aussi permis de se rendre compte que l'utilisation du matériau d'Okrouyo devrait se limiter à des revêtements intérieurs. Par contre celui de Yakala pourrait être utilisé à la fois pour des revêtements intérieurs et extérieurs.