WEATHERING AND WEATHERING PROCESSES

Definitions of weathering are examined and-a definition of weathering for geotechnical purposes is proposed. Weathering is achieved by weath ering processes, which depend upon the nature of the new environment t o which the geological materials are introduced. Weathering processes are reviewed with particular reference to examples from engineering pr actice. The weathering product, the modified geological material and m ass, is a consequence of the interaction of the weathering processes a nd the geological materials and mass on which the weathering processes act. Modes of weathering of particular rock types are reviewed. The p aper concludes with a discussion of classification policy, recommendin g simplification.