GYPSUM/ANHYDRITE: SOME ENGINEERING PROBLEMS

Abstract

The engineering properties of gypsum/anhydrite change as a consequence of groundwater, pressure and heat. Gypsum and anhydrite may experience dissolution in the near-surface zone and along the discontinuities, creating karst terrain to depths related to present and/or past groundwater levels. This paper reviews the problems of constructing on gypsum/anhydrite and their engineering significance and provides short case histories to illustrate some of the problems encountered.