Preliminary data for development of the engineering geological map of the city of Split (Croatia)

Abstract

The city of Split has been developing continuously since the construction of the Diocletian Palace (287–305) to the present time. Detailed engineering geological investigations, with the recorded documents, have been performed since 1970. Further development and expansion of the city require an urban engineering geological map to be developed as a main prerequisite for the geotechnical and seismic zonation. In this paper a review of engineering geological conditions at the area of Split City (cca 25 km2) is given. Those conditions are interpreted on the basis of available data from geotechnical reports (about stratigraphical units, their lithological composition and physical and mechanical properties) and limited field survey. Zones with different ground conditions regarding rock properties are delineated in the form of lithological complex, engineering geological mapping units for medium-scale maps. The area of the city of Split, built of foraminifera limestones (E1,2), clayey glauconitic limestones ( $$ E_{2}^{1,2} $$ ), and flysch sediments (E2,3), is divided into five lithological complexes, which presents unique combination of individual lithological type for which it is possible to indicate general behavior of the whole. The paper also provides short review of other environmental conditions (active geomorphological processes, hydrological and hydrogeological conditions, as well as seismic conditions), which are intended as a guide to the sort of environmental data that could be collected by more detailed studies during the course of the zoning process.