The Characterization of Flysch Rock in Albania with Field and Laboratory Testing

Albania has approximately 2/3 of its surface of flysch rocks. In areas where these rocks are present, are built several important objects, such as roads or hydroelectric power plants. These rocks are problematic for the slopes stability. The authors of this paper, to provide technical solutions for slopes stability of roads and the parts of hydropower objects (dam power house), have performed a significant amount of field and laboratory tests. On site testing included: quantitative description of discontinuities in rock masses; orientation, spacing, persistence, roughness, edge strength, aperture, filling, seepage, number of sets, block size and drill coring. Laboratory testing included: water content, porosity, density, absorption, swelling pressure, uniaxial compressive strength, point load test (PLT), Brazilian tensile strength (BTS) and direct shear test (DSH). A.L.T.E.A. & Geostudio 2000 l.t.d has been conducting 800 m drilling to determine the quality of flysch rocks. More than 100 samples, of flysch rocks (mudstone and sandstone), from the formations that form the Devolli and Osumi valleys, were taken and tested. The geotechnical calculations for the stability conditions of the slopes are made based on the data, obtained by the test results. The slopes of Devolli and Osumi valleys are monitored by means of inclinometers, which indicate any movement that has taken place, through time and weather conditions' changes.