Scanline survey to characterize outcrops and excavation faces of ancient quarries in urban area: A case study of Meknes city, Morocco

The analysis of rock outcrop fracturing and excavation faces in urban areas is important to evaluate their stability. Meknes region, in Northern Morocco, contains several limestone quarries, making it a good location for this study. Two sites were investigated using the Scanline technique, which allows to the identification, mapping, and characterization of discontinuities. The results highlight three fracture sets oriented N45, N110, and N80, conforming the dominant orientations of regional fracturing. The analysis also reveals that the distribution of spacing, apertures, and persistence of the discontinuities is random. In terms of filling, most discontinuities are closed or moderately open without any filling, although, silt or red soil deposits are occasionally observed.