This paper presents the results of an evaluation of the weathering of different basaltic lithotypes (dense basalts, vesicular-amygdaloidal basalts, and basaltic breccias) from four basaltic flows of the Serra Geral Formation of the Itaipu Dam region. Samples were classified according to their degree of weathering based on analysis with a 200X digital microscope and were subjected to pH, electrical conductivity, and point-load strength tests. The results show that pH and electrical conductivity values are effective for the evaluation of weathering, especially when tactile-visual classification does not provide an accurate evaluation of the rock's different degrees of weathering.
Weathering; basaltic rock; pH; electrical conductivity; point-load strength
