ABSTRACT
The Eocene flysch in the region of Split (Dalmatia, Croatia) is characterized by the presence of layers with different characteristics. It includes thin-layered marls, clayey marls, calcareous marls, clastic layered limestones, calcarenites and breccias. The effect of drying and wetting on the deterioration of strength is investigated on an unweathered marl. The changes of strength are measured with the point load test on four marl samples with a different carbonate content. The specimens are prepared with five different paths of wetting and drying. The deterioration of analysed soft rock progresses quickly by repetition of drying-wetting. Experimental results show that the strength is reduced radically when the soft rock is wetted after the desiccation. The strength reduction level in this process depends on the desiccation degree and degree of wetting after desiccation. From the results it can be concluded that wetting-drying is an important process in the weathering of marl. For the practical use this material should not be allowed to desiccate and wet on free surface in a structure because of the significant strength reduction.
