de Gennaro Maurizio | Università degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II" (original) (raw)

Papers by de Gennaro Maurizio

Geothermics, 1984

The stratigraphic and structural situation on the island of Ischia (southern Italy), the recent v... more The stratigraphic and structural situation on the island of Ischia (southern Italy), the recent volcanic activity and the presence of hot springs and fumaroles, suggest the existence of a geothermal field. The chemical and isotopic compositions of the waters from several springs and wells were examined to obtain information on deep temperatures and to formulate a geothermal model of the island. ~SD values range from-33,60 to-12.50%o and 6'80 from-7.10 to-1.71%o, relative to SMOW. These variations have mainly been attributed to the presence of seawater, as confirmed by the general shift to more positive values with the increase of C1 content. Water-rock reactions, evaporation and subsurface boiling also contribute to the 6'~O-6D trend. The chemical analyses reveal the presence of alkaline sulphate chloride water (seawater), bicarbonate waters and waters interpreted as the result of mixing. The chemical and isotopic composition of the latter are dependent on water-rock interactions, water circulation rates and eventual evaporation and condensation phenomena. The silica geothermometer, which seems to be the most suitable for determining the deep temperatures of these waters, gave values of about 200°C, even for mixing models. Our data suggest the following geothermal model: the heat flow heats up a deep reservoir, causing steam to rise through faults and fractures and transfer heat to a shallower aquifer. The temperatures of 200°C obtained by the geothermometers are not the maximum reservoir temperatures, but are probably water-rock equilibrium temperatures for the shallower aquifers. The high boron contents and the isotopic data confirm the presence of steam in the system.

Materials

In this work, four zeolite-bearing materials (three naturally occurring and one of synthetic orig... more In this work, four zeolite-bearing materials (three naturally occurring and one of synthetic origin) were considered for thermal energy capture and storage. Such materials can store thermal energy as heat of desorption of the water present therein, heat that is given back when water vapor is allowed to be re-adsorbed by zeolites. This study was carried out by determining the loss of water after different activation thermal treatments, the water adsorption kinetics and isotherm after an activation step of the zeolites, the intergranular and intragranular porosity, and the thermal conductivity of the zeolite-bearing materials. Moreover, the thermal stability of the framework of the zeolites of the four materials tested was investigated over a large number of thermal cycles. The results indicate that zeolite 13X was the most suitable material for thermal energy storage and suggest its use in the capture and storage of thermal energy that derives from thermal energy waste.

Studies in Surface Science and Catalysis, 2002

ABSTRACT Cited By (since 1996): 2, Export Date: 5 November 2012, Source: Scopus

Volcaniclastic products of Northern Sardinia (Italy) turned out to be affected by diffuse zeoliti... more Volcaniclastic products of Northern Sardinia (Italy) turned out to be affected by diffuse zeolitisation processes. About 130 samples, representative of the identified formations (pyroclastic flows and epiclastic deposits), were collected in order to evaluate the distribution of zeolitic phases. Clinoptilolite was the most widespread zeolite, whereas mordenite and chabazite rarely occured. A quantitative evaluation performed by the Reference Intensity Ratio

Clays and Clay Minerals, 1999

Experiments on zeolitization were conducted on four synthetic monocationic glasses (Na, K, Ca, or... more Experiments on zeolitization were conducted on four synthetic monocationic glasses (Na, K, Ca, or Mg-rich glass) with Si/A1 molar ratios of 2.67, similar in acidity to many volcanic glasses of partially zeolitized Italian tufts. The products of the hydrothermal treatment at 100, 150, and 200~ of single glasses or glass mixtures with deionized H20 or monosaline solutions (NaC1, KC1, CaC12) were characterized by X-ray diffraction, thermal, microscopic and chemical analyses. Chemical analyses of mother liquors were also performed. Mineral assemblages, containing chabazite, phillipsite, analcime, and K-feldspar, very similar to those found in altered, volcaniclastic alkali-trachytic or trachytic glass deposits were produced. Potassium was essential to chabazite and phillipsite crystallization, although phillipsite was obtained also in Ca-Na mixed systems. Sodium was necessary for analcime formation. Calcium plays only a secondary role in zeolitization, and magnesium does not favor zeolite crystallization but promotes the formation of smectite. Glass composition determines the mineral assemblages obtained and hence in those commonly found in nature.

Applied Clay Science, 2013

ABSTRACT Industrial minerals represent an important resource for the Italian economy, both in ter... more ABSTRACT Industrial minerals represent an important resource for the Italian economy, both in terms of exploitation and transformation, especially in those sectors for which Italy holds a leadership such as ceramics and glass. Among Italian regions Campania is one of the poorest of such kind of resources although some geological formations could be advantageously exploited. An important role is played by the deposits of sedimentary zeolites linked to the activity of different volcanic districts occurring on the Neapolitan territory such as the Campanian Ignimbrite, the most important volcanic episode of the Campi Flegrei (Southern Italy), which blankets a wide area of the Campanian region. The Campanian Ignimbrite has been thoroughly investigated from a volcanological and petrographic point of view. However, little attention was devoted to the attainment of those information useful to verify the potential of the deposit as well as the interpretation of post-depositional mineral-forming processes that have affected this deposit and have led to the formation of several facies, among which the most important are characterized by intense feldspathization (grey facies) and remarkable zeolitization (yellow facies). X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence, inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometry and scanning electron microscopy methods were used to thoroughly characterize the entire set of samples collected from 31 outcrops. Data so far acquired enabled to define the role played by several parameters (i.e., temperature, alkaline and alkaline-earth cations, etc.) in influencing the zeolitization process and the consequent crystallization of phillipsite, chabazite, and analcime. Feldspathization appears to have been controlled mainly by the emplacement temperature of the deposits. The proposed genetic model involves emplacement of the pyroclastic flow in a single episode, producing a deposit with an upward-decreasing temperature gradient. In this model, the central portion had a temperature insufficient to cause significant feldspathization, and the upper portion of the formation was affected by water percolation while still hot, producing progressive zeolitization. Volcano-stratigraphical parameters suggest some constrains on the maximum temperatures affecting the central portion of WGI. Thermodynamic data on zeolites constrain the maximum temperatures of the LYT unit which likely decrease upwards in the unit up to ambient conditions in CPF.

Applied Clay Science, 2008

This paper aims at testing the use of mixtures constituted by natural zeolitized products and SiC... more This paper aims at testing the use of mixtures constituted by natural zeolitized products and SiC-bearing industrial wastes (sludge deriving from polishing of porcelain stoneware tiles, hereafter DPM) for the production of lightweight expanded aggregates as constituents of structural and/or thermo-insulating lightweight concretes. Two commercial products have been used as zeolite natural source: Cab70 (Yellow facies of Campanian Ignimbrite) and IZclino (Turkish clinoptilolite-rich epiclastite). Different amounts of a calcareous material (Pozzano limestoneshereafter CP) from the Sorrento peninsula (Naples-Italy) were also added to a Cab70-DPM mixture. All raw materials were characterized by means of mineralogical (XRPD) and chemical (XRF) analyses. All the products and mixtures were tested from a technological point of view by means of fusibility and firing tests in order to evaluate the expanding properties. It was evidenced that the expansion of the mixture was deeply depending on the occurrence of SiC in the industrial waste. The addition of CP (10 wt.%) to the mixtures accounts for an even increased expansion, though this is accompanied by a worsening of the mechanical features of the material. These results along with literature data allowed to select 3 mixtures (70% Cab70-30% DPM, 70% IZclino-30% DPM, 60% Cab70-30% DPM-10% CP) and each of them was used for the preparation of 5 l of lightweight aggregates afterward employed for the manufacture of lightweight concretes. It was remarked that natural zeolitized materials mixed with DPM (30 wt. %) can provide lightweight aggregates with densities ranging between 0.8 and 1.0 g/cm 3 suitable for the preparation of structural lightweight concretes. The addition to the mixture of CP (10 wt.%) produces less dense aggregates (0.6-0.7 g/cm 3) potentially useful for the manufacture of thermo insulating lightweight concretes.

In Europe the use of zeolite-rich tuffs as additives in animal feeding is well established and ra... more In Europe the use of zeolite-rich tuffs as additives in animal feeding is well established and ratified by legislation. Quality checks on batches are mandatory to determine the undesirable elements such as lead that, among the heavy metals, plays a primary role for its devastating effects on the life quality of living beings. The present study aimed at determining the total and leached Pb for different samples of Campanian zeolite-rich tuffs related to the most relevant volcanic eruptions (Campanian Ignimbrite and Neapolitan Yellow Tuff). Other samples deriving from other Italian and extra-european exploitation sites were used for comparative tests. The research demonstrated that lead occurrence is linked to the specific paragenesis of the investigated rocks whereas the leached Pb largely depends on the type of zeolite and its amount. It was also established that the use of Campanian zeolite-rich tuffs as additives in animal feeding can be tolerated as these materials are well comparable to analogous products from the minerogenetic point of view such as the clinoptilolite of volcanic origin.

STANISLAO et al. (2011) – Contribution to the knowledge of ancient Roman seawater concretes: the Phlegrean pozzolan adopted in the construction of the harbour at Soli-Pompeiopolis (Mersin, Turkey). Periodico di Mineralogia, Special Issue Devoted to Prof. Enrico Franco, 80:3 (Special Issue), 471-488, 2011

This study deals with the characterization of ancient seawater concretes from the Roman harbour o... more This study deals with the characterization of ancient seawater concretes from the Roman harbour of Soli-Pompeiopolis, 1st century B.C., at Mersin in Turkey, drilled by the ROMACONS (Roman Maritime Concrete Study) team in 2009. This research activity wasperformed in collaboration with the Laboratories Department of CTG Italcementi Group and the Earth Sciences Department of the University “Federico II” of Naples. Results confirmed that the Roman engineers extensively used coarse tuff aggregate, lime hydrated in seawater, and pozzolanic volcanic fine sand, the so-called pulvis puteolanus of Vitruvius’s treatise De Architectura (1st century B.C.). The typical mineralogical association of phillipsite > chabazite > analcime, in particular points out the provenance for the tuff aggregate from the Yellow Neapolitan Tuff (NYT) formation, which is connected to the Campi Flegrei volcanic activity, dated back to 15.000 years ago. As far as the fine pozzolanic sand, of which just some scor...

The survey of materials constituting the buildings of the ancient city centre of Naples and of th... more The survey of materials constituting the buildings of the ancient city centre of Naples and of their decay typologies was carried out. Reports were entered in a database which enabled us to draw two thematic maps in a digital format: one of materials and lithotypes, and one showing weathering. On this basis, quantitative evaluations of the lithotypes were carried out. The research pointed out that the use of different lithotypes was mainly as a result of their availability and/or ease of exploitation. Furthermore, the importance of the preservation of the quarrying sites was stressed, both for their historical and cultural interest and, above all, for possible forthcoming provisioning finalized to restorations. The analysis of the results, made on a geo-mineralogical basis, as well as the thematic maps, gives a basic tool which will be very useful to those professionals involved in preservation of cultural heritage.

Innovazioni tecnologiche, alternative e materie prime seconde dalla gestione virtuosa degli scart... more Innovazioni tecnologiche, alternative e materie prime seconde dalla gestione virtuosa degli scarti e dei rifiuti dell'attività estrattiva. L'esempio del Gruppo Minerali Maffei S.p.A.

Periodico di Mineralogia

This study deals with the characterization of ancient seawater concretes from the Roman harbour o... more This study deals with the characterization of ancient seawater concretes from the Roman harbour of Soli-Pompeiopolis, 1st century B.C., at Mersin in Turkey, drilled by the ROMACONS (Roman Maritime Concrete Study) team in 2009. This research activity was performed in collaboration with the Laboratories Department of CTG Italcementi Group and the Earth Sciences Department of the University "Federico II" of Naples. Results confirmed that the Roman engineers extensively used coarse tuff aggregate, lime hydrated in seawater, and pozzolanic volcanic fine sand, the so-called pulvis puteolanus of Vitruvius's treatise De Architectura (1st century B.C.). The typical mineralogical association of phillipsite > chabazite > analcime, in particular points out the provenance for the tuff aggregate from the Yellow Neapolitan Tuff (NYT) formation, which is connected to the Campi Flegrei volcanic activity, dated back to 15.000 years ago. As far as the fine pozzolanic sand, of which...

Applied Clay Science, 2007

Applied Clay Science, 2008

... The reduced bulk density of a lightweight concrete is due to the addition of a void system wi... more ... The reduced bulk density of a lightweight concrete is due to the addition of a void system within the cementitious conglomerate (Short and Kinniburgh, 1978). ... Lightweight inert matter can be natural (pumice, diatomites, etc.) or artificial (expanded aggregates), the latter ...

Geological Society, London, Special Publications, 2010

Abstract The results of the geological characterization of an old stone building in southern Ital... more Abstract The results of the geological characterization of an old stone building in southern Italy, are presented here. The ondragone marble isa slightly metamorphosed carbonate rock, which was widely employed as monumental stone in the 18th century Royal Palaces of Naples and Caserta. In this paper, for the first time, this rock has been investigated with a thorough laboratory testing program, aimed at defining its mineralogical,
physical and mechanical parameters. The two most important varieties of Mondragone marble were separately tested: the yellow and grey marbles (hereafter, YM and GM, respectively). The results obtained from physical tests (open porosity, dry
density, specific gravity, water absorption coefficients, ltrasonic velocity) did not show marked differences between the two materials; in contrast, the mechanical strength tests (uniaxial
compressive strength, point load strength, flexural strength) showed better behaviour of YM than for GM. After a tentative comparison with other well known carbonate rocks from Italy, some considerations on the response of Mondragone marble to local weathering were conducted. In particular, the weathering typologies were related to the particular texture of the brecciated marble and the different strength resistances displayed by the various constituents of the rock.

Volcaniclastic products of Northern Sardinia (Italy) turned out to be affected by diffuse zeoliti... more Volcaniclastic products of Northern Sardinia (Italy) turned out to be affected by diffuse zeolitisation processes. About 130 samples, representative of the identified formations (pyroclastic flows and epiclastic deposits), were collected in order to evaluate the distribution of zeolitic phases. Clinoptilolite was the most widespread zeolite, whereas mordenite and chabazite rarely occured. A quantitative evaluation performed by the Reference Intensity Ratio

ABSTRACT Cited By (since 1996): 2, Export Date: 5 November 2012, Source: Scopus

Geothermics, 1984

The stratigraphic and structural situation on the island of Ischia (southern Italy), the recent v... more The stratigraphic and structural situation on the island of Ischia (southern Italy), the recent volcanic activity and the presence of hot springs and fumaroles, suggest the existence of a geothermal field. The chemical and isotopic compositions of the waters from several springs and wells were examined to obtain information on deep temperatures and to formulate a geothermal model of the island. ~SD values range from-33,60 to-12.50%o and 6'80 from-7.10 to-1.71%o, relative to SMOW. These variations have mainly been attributed to the presence of seawater, as confirmed by the general shift to more positive values with the increase of C1 content. Water-rock reactions, evaporation and subsurface boiling also contribute to the 6'~O-6D trend. The chemical analyses reveal the presence of alkaline sulphate chloride water (seawater), bicarbonate waters and waters interpreted as the result of mixing. The chemical and isotopic composition of the latter are dependent on water-rock interactions, water circulation rates and eventual evaporation and condensation phenomena. The silica geothermometer, which seems to be the most suitable for determining the deep temperatures of these waters, gave values of about 200°C, even for mixing models. Our data suggest the following geothermal model: the heat flow heats up a deep reservoir, causing steam to rise through faults and fractures and transfer heat to a shallower aquifer. The temperatures of 200°C obtained by the geothermometers are not the maximum reservoir temperatures, but are probably water-rock equilibrium temperatures for the shallower aquifers. The high boron contents and the isotopic data confirm the presence of steam in the system.

Materials

In this work, four zeolite-bearing materials (three naturally occurring and one of synthetic orig... more In this work, four zeolite-bearing materials (three naturally occurring and one of synthetic origin) were considered for thermal energy capture and storage. Such materials can store thermal energy as heat of desorption of the water present therein, heat that is given back when water vapor is allowed to be re-adsorbed by zeolites. This study was carried out by determining the loss of water after different activation thermal treatments, the water adsorption kinetics and isotherm after an activation step of the zeolites, the intergranular and intragranular porosity, and the thermal conductivity of the zeolite-bearing materials. Moreover, the thermal stability of the framework of the zeolites of the four materials tested was investigated over a large number of thermal cycles. The results indicate that zeolite 13X was the most suitable material for thermal energy storage and suggest its use in the capture and storage of thermal energy that derives from thermal energy waste.

Studies in Surface Science and Catalysis, 2002

ABSTRACT Cited By (since 1996): 2, Export Date: 5 November 2012, Source: Scopus

Volcaniclastic products of Northern Sardinia (Italy) turned out to be affected by diffuse zeoliti... more Volcaniclastic products of Northern Sardinia (Italy) turned out to be affected by diffuse zeolitisation processes. About 130 samples, representative of the identified formations (pyroclastic flows and epiclastic deposits), were collected in order to evaluate the distribution of zeolitic phases. Clinoptilolite was the most widespread zeolite, whereas mordenite and chabazite rarely occured. A quantitative evaluation performed by the Reference Intensity Ratio

Clays and Clay Minerals, 1999

Experiments on zeolitization were conducted on four synthetic monocationic glasses (Na, K, Ca, or... more Experiments on zeolitization were conducted on four synthetic monocationic glasses (Na, K, Ca, or Mg-rich glass) with Si/A1 molar ratios of 2.67, similar in acidity to many volcanic glasses of partially zeolitized Italian tufts. The products of the hydrothermal treatment at 100, 150, and 200~ of single glasses or glass mixtures with deionized H20 or monosaline solutions (NaC1, KC1, CaC12) were characterized by X-ray diffraction, thermal, microscopic and chemical analyses. Chemical analyses of mother liquors were also performed. Mineral assemblages, containing chabazite, phillipsite, analcime, and K-feldspar, very similar to those found in altered, volcaniclastic alkali-trachytic or trachytic glass deposits were produced. Potassium was essential to chabazite and phillipsite crystallization, although phillipsite was obtained also in Ca-Na mixed systems. Sodium was necessary for analcime formation. Calcium plays only a secondary role in zeolitization, and magnesium does not favor zeolite crystallization but promotes the formation of smectite. Glass composition determines the mineral assemblages obtained and hence in those commonly found in nature.

Applied Clay Science, 2013

ABSTRACT Industrial minerals represent an important resource for the Italian economy, both in ter... more ABSTRACT Industrial minerals represent an important resource for the Italian economy, both in terms of exploitation and transformation, especially in those sectors for which Italy holds a leadership such as ceramics and glass. Among Italian regions Campania is one of the poorest of such kind of resources although some geological formations could be advantageously exploited. An important role is played by the deposits of sedimentary zeolites linked to the activity of different volcanic districts occurring on the Neapolitan territory such as the Campanian Ignimbrite, the most important volcanic episode of the Campi Flegrei (Southern Italy), which blankets a wide area of the Campanian region. The Campanian Ignimbrite has been thoroughly investigated from a volcanological and petrographic point of view. However, little attention was devoted to the attainment of those information useful to verify the potential of the deposit as well as the interpretation of post-depositional mineral-forming processes that have affected this deposit and have led to the formation of several facies, among which the most important are characterized by intense feldspathization (grey facies) and remarkable zeolitization (yellow facies). X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence, inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometry and scanning electron microscopy methods were used to thoroughly characterize the entire set of samples collected from 31 outcrops. Data so far acquired enabled to define the role played by several parameters (i.e., temperature, alkaline and alkaline-earth cations, etc.) in influencing the zeolitization process and the consequent crystallization of phillipsite, chabazite, and analcime. Feldspathization appears to have been controlled mainly by the emplacement temperature of the deposits. The proposed genetic model involves emplacement of the pyroclastic flow in a single episode, producing a deposit with an upward-decreasing temperature gradient. In this model, the central portion had a temperature insufficient to cause significant feldspathization, and the upper portion of the formation was affected by water percolation while still hot, producing progressive zeolitization. Volcano-stratigraphical parameters suggest some constrains on the maximum temperatures affecting the central portion of WGI. Thermodynamic data on zeolites constrain the maximum temperatures of the LYT unit which likely decrease upwards in the unit up to ambient conditions in CPF.

Applied Clay Science, 2008

This paper aims at testing the use of mixtures constituted by natural zeolitized products and SiC... more This paper aims at testing the use of mixtures constituted by natural zeolitized products and SiC-bearing industrial wastes (sludge deriving from polishing of porcelain stoneware tiles, hereafter DPM) for the production of lightweight expanded aggregates as constituents of structural and/or thermo-insulating lightweight concretes. Two commercial products have been used as zeolite natural source: Cab70 (Yellow facies of Campanian Ignimbrite) and IZclino (Turkish clinoptilolite-rich epiclastite). Different amounts of a calcareous material (Pozzano limestoneshereafter CP) from the Sorrento peninsula (Naples-Italy) were also added to a Cab70-DPM mixture. All raw materials were characterized by means of mineralogical (XRPD) and chemical (XRF) analyses. All the products and mixtures were tested from a technological point of view by means of fusibility and firing tests in order to evaluate the expanding properties. It was evidenced that the expansion of the mixture was deeply depending on the occurrence of SiC in the industrial waste. The addition of CP (10 wt.%) to the mixtures accounts for an even increased expansion, though this is accompanied by a worsening of the mechanical features of the material. These results along with literature data allowed to select 3 mixtures (70% Cab70-30% DPM, 70% IZclino-30% DPM, 60% Cab70-30% DPM-10% CP) and each of them was used for the preparation of 5 l of lightweight aggregates afterward employed for the manufacture of lightweight concretes. It was remarked that natural zeolitized materials mixed with DPM (30 wt. %) can provide lightweight aggregates with densities ranging between 0.8 and 1.0 g/cm 3 suitable for the preparation of structural lightweight concretes. The addition to the mixture of CP (10 wt.%) produces less dense aggregates (0.6-0.7 g/cm 3) potentially useful for the manufacture of thermo insulating lightweight concretes.

In Europe the use of zeolite-rich tuffs as additives in animal feeding is well established and ra... more In Europe the use of zeolite-rich tuffs as additives in animal feeding is well established and ratified by legislation. Quality checks on batches are mandatory to determine the undesirable elements such as lead that, among the heavy metals, plays a primary role for its devastating effects on the life quality of living beings. The present study aimed at determining the total and leached Pb for different samples of Campanian zeolite-rich tuffs related to the most relevant volcanic eruptions (Campanian Ignimbrite and Neapolitan Yellow Tuff). Other samples deriving from other Italian and extra-european exploitation sites were used for comparative tests. The research demonstrated that lead occurrence is linked to the specific paragenesis of the investigated rocks whereas the leached Pb largely depends on the type of zeolite and its amount. It was also established that the use of Campanian zeolite-rich tuffs as additives in animal feeding can be tolerated as these materials are well comparable to analogous products from the minerogenetic point of view such as the clinoptilolite of volcanic origin.

STANISLAO et al. (2011) – Contribution to the knowledge of ancient Roman seawater concretes: the Phlegrean pozzolan adopted in the construction of the harbour at Soli-Pompeiopolis (Mersin, Turkey). Periodico di Mineralogia, Special Issue Devoted to Prof. Enrico Franco, 80:3 (Special Issue), 471-488, 2011

This study deals with the characterization of ancient seawater concretes from the Roman harbour o... more This study deals with the characterization of ancient seawater concretes from the Roman harbour of Soli-Pompeiopolis, 1st century B.C., at Mersin in Turkey, drilled by the ROMACONS (Roman Maritime Concrete Study) team in 2009. This research activity wasperformed in collaboration with the Laboratories Department of CTG Italcementi Group and the Earth Sciences Department of the University “Federico II” of Naples. Results confirmed that the Roman engineers extensively used coarse tuff aggregate, lime hydrated in seawater, and pozzolanic volcanic fine sand, the so-called pulvis puteolanus of Vitruvius’s treatise De Architectura (1st century B.C.). The typical mineralogical association of phillipsite > chabazite > analcime, in particular points out the provenance for the tuff aggregate from the Yellow Neapolitan Tuff (NYT) formation, which is connected to the Campi Flegrei volcanic activity, dated back to 15.000 years ago. As far as the fine pozzolanic sand, of which just some scor...

The survey of materials constituting the buildings of the ancient city centre of Naples and of th... more The survey of materials constituting the buildings of the ancient city centre of Naples and of their decay typologies was carried out. Reports were entered in a database which enabled us to draw two thematic maps in a digital format: one of materials and lithotypes, and one showing weathering. On this basis, quantitative evaluations of the lithotypes were carried out. The research pointed out that the use of different lithotypes was mainly as a result of their availability and/or ease of exploitation. Furthermore, the importance of the preservation of the quarrying sites was stressed, both for their historical and cultural interest and, above all, for possible forthcoming provisioning finalized to restorations. The analysis of the results, made on a geo-mineralogical basis, as well as the thematic maps, gives a basic tool which will be very useful to those professionals involved in preservation of cultural heritage.

Innovazioni tecnologiche, alternative e materie prime seconde dalla gestione virtuosa degli scart... more Innovazioni tecnologiche, alternative e materie prime seconde dalla gestione virtuosa degli scarti e dei rifiuti dell'attività estrattiva. L'esempio del Gruppo Minerali Maffei S.p.A.

Periodico di Mineralogia

This study deals with the characterization of ancient seawater concretes from the Roman harbour o... more This study deals with the characterization of ancient seawater concretes from the Roman harbour of Soli-Pompeiopolis, 1st century B.C., at Mersin in Turkey, drilled by the ROMACONS (Roman Maritime Concrete Study) team in 2009. This research activity was performed in collaboration with the Laboratories Department of CTG Italcementi Group and the Earth Sciences Department of the University "Federico II" of Naples. Results confirmed that the Roman engineers extensively used coarse tuff aggregate, lime hydrated in seawater, and pozzolanic volcanic fine sand, the so-called pulvis puteolanus of Vitruvius's treatise De Architectura (1st century B.C.). The typical mineralogical association of phillipsite > chabazite > analcime, in particular points out the provenance for the tuff aggregate from the Yellow Neapolitan Tuff (NYT) formation, which is connected to the Campi Flegrei volcanic activity, dated back to 15.000 years ago. As far as the fine pozzolanic sand, of which...

Applied Clay Science, 2007

Applied Clay Science, 2008

... The reduced bulk density of a lightweight concrete is due to the addition of a void system wi... more ... The reduced bulk density of a lightweight concrete is due to the addition of a void system within the cementitious conglomerate (Short and Kinniburgh, 1978). ... Lightweight inert matter can be natural (pumice, diatomites, etc.) or artificial (expanded aggregates), the latter ...

Geological Society, London, Special Publications, 2010

Abstract The results of the geological characterization of an old stone building in southern Ital... more Abstract The results of the geological characterization of an old stone building in southern Italy, are presented here. The ondragone marble isa slightly metamorphosed carbonate rock, which was widely employed as monumental stone in the 18th century Royal Palaces of Naples and Caserta. In this paper, for the first time, this rock has been investigated with a thorough laboratory testing program, aimed at defining its mineralogical,
physical and mechanical parameters. The two most important varieties of Mondragone marble were separately tested: the yellow and grey marbles (hereafter, YM and GM, respectively). The results obtained from physical tests (open porosity, dry
density, specific gravity, water absorption coefficients, ltrasonic velocity) did not show marked differences between the two materials; in contrast, the mechanical strength tests (uniaxial
compressive strength, point load strength, flexural strength) showed better behaviour of YM than for GM. After a tentative comparison with other well known carbonate rocks from Italy, some considerations on the response of Mondragone marble to local weathering were conducted. In particular, the weathering typologies were related to the particular texture of the brecciated marble and the different strength resistances displayed by the various constituents of the rock.

Volcaniclastic products of Northern Sardinia (Italy) turned out to be affected by diffuse zeoliti... more Volcaniclastic products of Northern Sardinia (Italy) turned out to be affected by diffuse zeolitisation processes. About 130 samples, representative of the identified formations (pyroclastic flows and epiclastic deposits), were collected in order to evaluate the distribution of zeolitic phases. Clinoptilolite was the most widespread zeolite, whereas mordenite and chabazite rarely occured. A quantitative evaluation performed by the Reference Intensity Ratio

ABSTRACT Cited By (since 1996): 2, Export Date: 5 November 2012, Source: Scopus