The role of porosity on the engineering geological properties of 1669 lavas from Mount Etna

To this purpose, this paper provides a focus on the laboratory investigation of these rocks, which according to three different porosity classes, underwent petrographic, physical, mechanical and seismic analyses. Interesting statistical correlations allowed understanding the mutual dependence of the main engineering geological parameters, highlighting how porosity, through both vesicles and microcracks, plays a leading role from the engineering geological point of view. Achieved results provide a scientific casuistry on this topic and are a reliable reference for studies on similar rock types worldwide, since lavas are among the most used rock materials in the engineering geological practice.