ABSTRACT
Lapilli are small pyroclastic fragments emitted by volcanoes, with a grain size of between 2 and 64 mm
1 INTRODUCTION
Basaltic lapilli are common in many volcanic regions of the world (e.g., Alaska, the Philippines, Japan, Indonesia, Italy, Greece, and many countries of Central and South America), and they are commonly used in the Canary Islands (Spain) in the construction industry, mainly because of their abundance (more than 800 volcanic cones) and because of the lack of suitable clays from which to make bricks. Three main aspects of lapilli have been studied: (a) basic properties as geological origin, texture, unit weight and geochemical composition; and (b) geotechnical parameters and behaviour under different situations: on slopes, under foundations and as granular layer for roads.
