l
Engineeringgeological
environmentof Athens,
-.
Greece
G. Koukis. N. Sabatakakis
..y Abstract Engineering geological information in-
cluding geotechnical and geological data from explo-
ratory boreholes and trial pits located in the wider
area of Athens were stored in a database system.
Based on t~e data processing and field mapping, the
geological formations encountered in the foundation
materials of the city were divided into individual
geotechnical units according to uniformity in litho-
logical character and relevant age. Engineering
geological zonation maps of the studied area for
urban planning purposes were compiled at an
original scale of 1:25,000.
Resume Un systeme de base des donnees concer-
nant la geologie de l'ingenieur a ete realise pour la
ville d' Athenes et la region voisine. II est base sur les .
donnees geotechniques et geologiques obtenues a
partir de forages et de puits de reconnaissance. La
cartographie geologique et Ie traitement des donnees
acquises a permis de definir des unites geotechni-
oJ ques, fonction de l'age des terrains et de leur nature
lithologique. Les cartes de geologie de l'ingenieur
correspondantes ont ete etablies a l'echelle du
1:25,000.
Key words Engineering geological mapping'
Urban planning' Athens' Greece
- . Mots eMs Cartes de geologie de l'ingenieur .
Planification urbaine . Athenes . Grece
r Received:4 October1999 . Accepted:3 April 2000
G. Koukis . N. Sabatakakis(181)
Departmentof Geology,Sectionof AppliedGeology
and Geophysics, Universityof Patras,26500Patras,Greece
e-mail: sabatak@.upatras.gr
Tel.: + 30-61-997565,+ 30-61-996277
Fax: + 30-61-991900
Introduction
The city of Athens is situated on the Attika plain on the
Greek mainland. Mountains surround it on three sides; the
most important of which are Aegaleo, Parnis, Hymettus
and Pendeli (to the north). The wider area therefore
constitutes a morphological basin, called the Athens basin.
With Piraeus, its port, which is located about 8 km to the
southwest on the Gulf of Saronikos (an inlet of the Aegean
Sea), it forms a unified metropolitan region (Fig. 1). The
most prominent and famous landmark of the city is the
Acropolis, a flat-topped limestone hill on which stand the
remains of the Parthenon and several other beautiful struc-
tures erected in the fifth century B.C.
Greece currently has a population of 10.3 million, of whom
more than 3.5 million live in the Athens area; the popula-
tion has risen quite dramatically in the last 30 years. The
urban planning of the city was primarily based on
economic and social determinants, without seriously
taking into account the geological environment and geody-
namic factors. The problems that have arisen due to this
became more acute with the increase of the population and
expansion of urban settlement, the industrialization and
the impact of natural hazards (seismicity, floods) during
the last decades. With the increasing demand for large
engineering works (subways, freeways, metro, traffic
links); the redevelopment of the wider area and the recon-
struction of the inner city area, there was a need for up-
to-date geological information and interpretation for plan-
ning purposes. The Public Works Central Laboratory and
the Department of Geology of Patras University were
commissioned to undertake a city-wide engineering
geological assessment.
This paper outlines th~ engineering geology of the wider
Athens area and presents the engineering geological maps "
compiled at an original scale of 1:25,000. In planning
terms, the use of these maps is apPJ.QPri(l!~~L~ strat~gic
rather than local urban planning level.
Geologicaland seismological
aspects
The geological basement of the city of Athens is within the
wider geotectonic frame of Attica and consists, to a consid-
 [ G. Koukis . N. Sabatakakis
Fig. 1
General reference map of
Athens basin
..'!;j
~....
.,
.~
Saronikos gulf
-':;
o 4 Kilometers
~
erable depth, of the "Athens schist" series. These include
schists, shales, sandstones, cherts, marls and limestones
which locally indicate a low-grade metamorphism. They
are accompanied by generally small bodies of volcanic
rocks of the diabase-spilite type or serpentinized perido-
tites. The hills of the city (Acropolis, Lycabettus, etc.) are
covered by compact, thickly bedded to massive limestone
of various thicknesses and of Upper Cretaceous age.
The complex structure of the geological formations and the
conjectural age of the "Athens schists" have resulted in
-different stratigraphic scenarios -being_.suggested..by~
authors regarding the geological environment of Attica.
According to Katsikatsos et al. (1976, 1986), the autoch-
thonous system of metamorphic formations (Triassic to
Upper Cretaceous age) outcropping at Mt. Hymettus and
Pendeli (marbles and schists) geotectonically belong to the
external Hellenides. The Neo-Hellenic nappe, including the
geological formations of the Athens basin (Athens schists
and limestones) overthrusts, as a huge nappe, the autoch-
thonous units. Finally, the Pelagonian zone of non-meta-
morphic formations (Mt. Parnis and Mt. Aegaleo) over-
thrusts the latter tectonic units (autochthonous system and
Neo-Hellenic nappe).
As far as the younger formations. are concerned, the
Athens basin is covered in places by Tertiary deposits
(marls, clays, sandstones and conglomerates), talus cones
and screes and alluvial deposits, as well as historic and
recent earth materials. The bedrock formations were
folded together du~ing the lower Tertiary. Folding was
followed by loosening and fracturing of the formations
while the morphogenesis of the area was completed during
the Quaternary (Pleistocene) with theoccurrence o£eplro-
genetic movements.
From the seismological point of view, the wider area of
Attica is characterized in general by a low-grade s~ismic
activity and sparse local earthquakes of high magnitude. It
is seismotectonically limited by seismic-origin arcs on each
side: the Euripos-Atalanti fault system and the Corinthian
Gulf seismic zone. The mean epicentral distance of these
arcs is about 60 km from the city of Athens and the

expected maximum magnitudes 7.0 to 7.2 R in a 70- to 100-
years return period (Dracopoulos and Makropoulos 1983;
Rondogianni 1984). The historical data regarding the
seismic events recorded in Athens and the minor damage
to the historical monuments of the city which can be
observed confirm the low seismic hazard of the area.
Recent events show that the seismic risk for the multi-
storey buildings of the new city is remarkably high because
of the distribution of these younger buildings over a larger
area with different foundation soil conditions, in compar-
ison with the ancient or older city. The most important of
these recent events took place in February and March 1981
when Athens was struck by a series of strong earthquakes
(M.: 6.7 R) which occurred in the eastern part of the Corin-
- ''\ian Gulf. The concentration of severe structural damage
\...:0 multistorey buildings in certain suburbs of Athens (e.g.
Halandri) was very clear (Christoulas et al. 1985).
The more recent strong earthquake (M.: 5.9 R) of 7
September 1999, with an epicentre located about 20 km to
the north of the centre of the city and a focal depth of
10km, also resulted in a considerable disaster. About 150
people were killed and a large number of buildings were
completely destroyed, bringing forth the demand for a
revision of construction policy as the consequences of this
incident were far greater than would be expected for a low-
seismicity area.
Geotechnicaldata recording
and storage
A large number of exploratory boreholes and trial pits
undertaken in connection with the construction of tech-
~al works in the Athens basin (traffic links, roads,
\.dbways, metro, buildings, etc.) as well as data obtained by
the Ministry of Environment and private consultants were
collected and thoroughly analysed. After the appropriate
modifications to standardize the terminology used and the
first elaboration of the geotechnical data, 1200 geotechnical
profiles which characterize the local soil conditions were
recorded and digitally stored. Each geotechnical profile
included a number of nearby boreholes with similar soil
conditions. The geotechnical database created \Vas
designed to allow rapid retrieval and evaluation of the data
in selected unit areas and was documented such that the
information could be readily accessed by operators for
first-order approximations regarding soil conditions. The
evaluation was elaborated on topographic maps and those
specially drawn for the geological background at a scale of
1.;25.000. Data -processing-and-final-map-pr-eparation-were-
performed digitally using the geographical information
system (GIS), so that it can be used in a complete and fully
integrated database.
Nowadays, a research program processed by the National
Technical University of Athens is establishing a database
that will record in detail the existing geotechnical data,
including that of recent extensive site investigations for
large engineering construction works.
Engineering geological environment of Athens, Greece
)
Geotechnical units
The evaluation of geological and geotechnical data allowed
the soil formations encountered in the wider area of the
city to be grouped into eleven individual units (see Fig. 3),
based on their origin, relevant age, composition, physical
state and engineering geological conditions:
Unit 1: coarse-grained recent deposits
Brown, clayey sand (SC) and clayey, silty-gravels (GM,
GM-GC) constitute the main lithological types (about 80%)
of this unit. Sandy, stiff clay of low to medium plasticity
(CL) and silt and sand (SM-SC, SM) are also encountered.
These are loose deposits with a maximum thickness of
15 m and with a presumed allowable bearing pressure for
preliminary design (Canadian Geotechnical Society 1985)
greater than 150kPa. The formations are permeable, with a
phreatic level generally at the contact with the bedrock.
The unit includes recent historic fill - the so-called
archaeological layer - the major part of which has been
removed since the beginning of the excavations which
started in the eighteenth century and brought to light an
important area of the ancient city of Athens.
Unit2:fine-grained
recentdeposits
Brown, sandy, stiff clay of low to medium plasticity (CL)
constitutes some 70% of the unit. The range of physical
and mechanical properties of the clay is as follows:
w: 10-25%
e: 0.3-0.8
Cu:40-90 kPa
qu: 100-250 kPa
Cc: 0.08-0.20
NsPT: 10->50.
Clayey-silts (CL-ML), clayey-sands (SC), silty sands (SM)
and clayey-silty gravels (GM, GM-GC) are also encoun-
tered. These are Quaternary terrestrial deposits with a
maximum thickness of 30 m and a presumed allowable
bearing pressure for preliminary design greater than
150kPa. The unit covers a large part of the Athens basin,
mainly around the Kifissos river plain. It is moderately
permeable and develops local phreatic levels in the coarse-
grained layers. J
Unit3: loosecoastaldeposits
This unit consists of horizons of grey, soft clay of low to
high plasticity (CL, CH) with loose to medium-dense,
sandy silt-silty sand (SM) and silt (ML, CL-ML).The range
of physical and mechanical properties is as follows:
w: 25-70% -- -- --
e: 0.7-1.4
Cu:10-60 kPa
~
qu: 25-150 kPa :
Cc:0.2-0.8
NsPT:2-15.
These are very loose coastal and deltaic deposits with a
maximum thickness of 20 m and a presumed allowable
bearing pressure greater than 75 kPa. The unit is located in
n ~_.-,. . ~ I "
 I G. Koukis . N. Sabatakakis
Fig.2
Isopach map of loose coastal
deposits (Unit 3)
o 2
~
Earthfill
D Recent deposits
(Units 1, 2 and 3 undivided)
a rather restricted area and covers the lowland plain in the
coastal zone of the Athens basin. In this area severe struc-
tural damage has been recorded in multistorey buildings
(jue to the differential settlements of square spread foot-
mgs. The isopach map of the coastal deposits is given in
Fig. 2 and provides contours showing the thickness of this
unit at 5 m intervals.
Unit4: scree ')
This unit comprises loose, sandy-clayey materials,
containing gravel pebbles and rock fragments. They are
classified as clayey-silty gravels (GC, GM, GC-GM), clayey
sands (SC, SC-SM), silty sands and locally clays of low plas-
ticity (Cl). Close to Mt. Hymettus and Egaleo the forma-
tion passes downwards (0.5-2.0 m depth) to well-cemented
breccia. The uniaxial compressive strength (O'c) of the
breccia rock material ranges from 6 to 60 MPa, the dry
density (I'd) from 20 to 25 kN/m3 and the Young's
modulus (Ed from 2 to 20 GPa.
----.----
Unit 5: red loams and conglomerates
The Upper Tertiary weak rocks and hard soils of fluviola-
custrine origin which form this unit consist of red-brown-
ish sandy clay (sandy loam) with fine gravels and pisolites
together with interlayers of loose conglomerates up to 7 m
thick. In some places as much as 7 m of sandy-clayey marls
overlie the sandy loam. Following the Unified Soil Classifi-
cation System (USCS), the sandy loam can be classified as
30 I BullEngGeolEnv(2000)59:127-135 . @ Springer-Verlag
Saronikos gulf
3 Kilometers
Bedrock
A
5 Isopach of 5 m in the
loose coastal deposits
clay of low to high plasticity (Cl, CH). The measured
values of their physical and mechanical properties range
from:
w: 10-25%
e: 0.2-0.7
Cu:60-150 kPa
qu: 150-1100 kPa
Cc:0.05-0.15.
The SPT values exceed 20, with some 70% being greater
than 50. The presumed allowable bearing pressure exceeds
200 kPa. The conglomerates are medium strong, consisting
of limestone, schist and quartz pebbles cemented with
calcitic and marly material alternating with loose sand-
stones and sandy marls. They occupy a large area to the
south of the Athens basin with a maximum thickness of
25 m. The total thickness of the unit exceeds 70 m in the
northern suburbs (Halandri, Maroussi). The sequence is
moderately permeable and develops phreatic levels (some- ."
times-underpressure)-in-the-€Gar~e-gr-aine4--l~
(conglomerates ).
-
Unit6: marlyformations
These are Neogene sediments and consist mainly of alter-
nate beds of marls, marlstones, marly limestones, dolom-
itic limestones and locally intercalations of sandstones and
conglomerates with some lignite. They have a maximum
thickness of 180 m and occupy a large area to the north-
 ,,
t
1
Engineering geological environment of Athens, Greece I t
,
f
§
Table1 f
Results of laboratory index tests for marls tones and marly limestones
j
Drybulk Quick Total Slake dura- Sonic Schmidt Point load Uniaxial
density, Pd absorption porosity, n bility index, velocity, V. hardness, index, 1s(50) compression
(kN/m3) index, i (%) (0/0) Id2 (%) (m/s) SHV (MPa) strength (MPa)

Range 16.7-23.9 2.1-23.3 5.9-40.3 33.3-98.6 1440-1760 12-31 0.21-6.50 2.4-33.7

Mean 20.3 8 19.4 79 1450 20 1.80 12.5
SD 1.4 4.7 7.6 17.7 245 5 0.98 8.7
No.of tests 63 30 41 63 45 58 125 52

Table2
Resultsof laboratory index tests for dolomitic limestones

Drybulk Quick Total Slake dura- Indirect ten- Schmidt Point load Uniaxial
V density, Pd absorption- porosity, n bility index, sile strength hardness, index, 1,15d) compression
(kN/m3) index, i (%) (%) Id2(%) (MPa) SHV (MPa) strength (MPa)
-
Range 15.1-27.6 5.0-16.8 2.4-37.4 74.5-99.5 1.6-10.6 16-44 0.5-9.9 8.9-87
Mean 22.5 10.5 19.6 91.9 5 31 4.1 33.4
SD 2.3 10.2 8.2 2.2 7.6 2.1 18.1
No.of tests 91 6 21 11 29 24 218 74

west and southwest of the Athens basin. The marls are (Te= K . Is(so), K: 5 to 25
whitish-yellow, very stiff to hard, clayey and of low to high i=45.7-1.8 Pd (z=0.92).
plasticity (CL, CH). Grey, silty marls are also encountered.
Unit7: crestlimestones
The physical and mechanical properties of the marls range
as follows: These limestones are grey, weak to strong, of medium
w: 15-35% hardness, microcrystalline, compact, thickly bedded to
e: 0.4-0.8 massive and locally faulted, karstified, clastic and
frequently brecciated, with a maximum thickness of 100m.
Cu:50-170 kPa
The material properties measured range as follows:
qu: 130-850 kPa
Ce:0.04-0.20 . Pd:24-27.7 kN/m3
NSPT:>50. SHY: 21-40

o Is(so):1.5-9.5 MPa
marlstone and marly limestone are whitish-yellow in (Te:16-110 MPa
colour. The major non-clay minerals are calcite (70-90%) EL:5-100 GPa.
and quartz (5-10%), whereas the clay minerals are mainly
illite, chlorite (0-10%) and montmorillonite (0-7%). The epigenetic processes of alteration-weathering-erosion
Dolomitic limestones are brownish-grey with a character- in combination with fracturing characteristics influence
istic porous and cellular structure and very high (30-60%) the natural state of the rock mass and lead to a secondary
magnesium content. loosening. During the monument preservation works
Tables 1 and 2 summarise the results of the index tests for (Andronopoulos and Koukis 1988), problems regarding
the intact marly limestones, marls tones and dolomitic slope stability and foundation conditions were observed in
limestones, including for each parameter the range of the limestones of this 30- to 35-m-thick unit which covers
values, the mean value, the standard deviation and the the greater part of the Acropolis hill as well as the other
number of specimens tested. The scatter of the data is hills of Athens (Lycabettus, Philopapou, Tourkovounia). ..
w mainly due to the different degree of diagenesis(compac-
tion orland cementation) of the various horizons of the Unit8: schist-sandstone-marly
series &

sediments. This unit constitutes the upper horizon of the Athens ~

The laboratory test results of these rocks were analysed schist formation and consists of brown, weak to strong, f:
statistically and InterrelatiOnShIps between their-different maTlyiim~5tones, greyish-green, mednitn- -to-fine-grainea- ~ -
index properties determined (Koukis and Sabatakakis sandstones, shales, brownish-yellow, hard, clayey marls- ~
1991; Sabatakakis et al. 1993). Some of these correlations marls tones-siltstones and conglomerates or breccias. The ~
are given below with the calculated correlation coefficients formation is semi-permeable to permeable with a varying ~
(r). degree of fracturing or even brecciation. The material Z

SHY = 3.2-43 Pd (z = 0.88) properties of the marlstones-marly limestones are: f

~

Pd =25.2-0.22 n (z=0.93) Pd: 23.5-25.7 kN/m3 £"

Id2=113-1.1 n (z=0.84) (Te:4-65 MPa .
:

Bull Eng Geol Env (2000) 59: 127-135 . @ Sprinaer-Verlag 113 1


I G. Koukis . N. Sabatakakis
EL:3.5-16GPa . grated madstone, siltstone, sandstone (soft to
and for the conglomerates
Pd:22.5-28.4 kN/m3
SHY: 20-39
0'<:3-50 MPa.
Unit 9: Athensschists
This unit constitutes the geological basement of the city of
Athens. The geological formation known as Athens schist
includes schists of low-grade metamorphism, metasedi-
mentary types of shales and sandstones, intercalations and
lenses of brecciated or crystalline limestones and bodies of
mostly decomposed meta-igneous rocks such as diabase
and peridotites. According to Marinos et al. (1971), the
,,_>ormation represents a flyschoid phase of delta-type
deposits of Upper Cretaceous age. The intense tectonism
during the Lower Tertiary and the differential mechanical
behaviour (rigidity or plasticity) of the members of the
Athens schist are reflected in the macro- and microstruc-
ture of the formation, while the different lithological types
and the various degrees of weathering and alteration have
resulted in a highly heterogeneous material which is char-
acterized by anisotropic mechanical behaviour.
In general, two units are commonly distinguished in the
Athens schist system: the upper unit described above as
unit 8 and the lower unit which is usually referred to as the
"black formation" and consists of dark grey to black shales
and slightly metamorphosed siltstones and sandstones.
According to Marinos et al. (1997) the contact between the
two units can be transitional, with a gradual prevalence of
one type of material over the other. However, due to the
tectonic deformation and the differential behaviour of the
competent and non-competent rock types of the two units,
the contact between them is often disturbed and typical
vnylonitic material may occur.
. A simple intact rock classification for the Athens schist
system has been proposed by Marinos et al. (1994) based
on lithological type and grade of weathering.
Group A: Completely decomposed shale, schist, perido-
tite and diabase; mad (stiff soil-like material).
Group B: Highly decomposed shale, schist, peridotite,
diabase; highly disintegrated madstone, silt-
stone, sandstone (soft rock-like material).
Group C: Moderatelydecomposed shale, schist, perido-
tite, diabase; slightly to moderately disinte-
Table 3
Results of laboratory index tests for Athens schist rock material
Group Drybulk Slake Sonic Sonic
densi~, Pd ~urilPHitY ,_velocity,V~ velocity, VD
(kN/m]) index, Id2(%) (m/s) (m/s)
A 21.3-27.3 <96 - -
B >96 - -
-( - -
D 1581-3866 2396-5873
E 1.5-4.5
F 1.8-6.0
G 2.7-8.0
,
~
!
weak rock-like material). ~
Group D: Slightly disintegrated, highly discolored shale,
schist, peridotite, diabase; moderately disco- -,
lored sandstone (weak rock-like material).
Group E: Moderately discolored shale, schist, peridotite
and diabase (medium-strong rock-like mate-
rial).
Group F: Slightly discolored schist, peridotite and
diabase; slightly discolored to fresh sandstone
(medium strong to strong rock-like material).
Group G: Fresh schist, peridotite, diabase and greywacke
(strong rock-like material).
It will be noted that limestone and breccia rock material
have been excluded from the above classification. ~"
Table 3 gives a range of physical and mechanical character-
istics for each group based on extensive laboratory testing.
The scatter of intact rock strength values is mainly due to
the high anisotropy of the specimens, while a dramatic
decrease in strength is observed with the increase in
weathering grade. Previous work (Papadopoulos and
Marinos 1992) also showed this decrease, which is more
pronounced when the direction of loading is normal to the
schistosity planes. The anisotropy index ranges from just
below 1 (very weathered specimens) to 3.1 (slightly
weathered specimens). However, samples of fresh schist,
although giving the highest point load strength, have an
anisotropy index lower than the slightly weathered speci-
mens, probably due to the strong bonds developed
between the schistosity planes of the fresh rocks.
Generally, the main rock mass behaviour of the formation
ranges from that of soft rock to hard soil, while some
members are characterized as transitional material, lying
in the geotechnical area between soil and rock. Sometimes
the "soil-like" members exhibit geological structures,
faults, joints, defects, etc. and behave as heavily overcon-
solidated clay soils in the soil mechanics concept (Anag-
nostopoulos 1981).
Athens schist is a difficult material to study because it is
easily disturbed during drilling, sampling and specimen
preparation, while regular-shaped specimens very often
disintegrate and fail along planes of weakness. The predic-
tion of the mechanical behaviour of the formation is based
mainly on practical experience gained from shallow excav-
ation for building foundations, excavations for subways
..
Point load Uniaxial com- Young's Triaxial
index, 1'(50) pression modulus, EL compression
(MPa) strength '(MPa) '(Gpa} ClMPar-'W(aeg)
- 1.3-10
0.4-1.2 3-17
0.6-2.2 6-25 2.5 27
1.0-3.6 10-35
15-50 3-42
20-70
30-90 14.5 45
 Engineering geological environment of Athens, Greece

and from the early stages of the Athens Metro construc- depending on the lithological composition and the degree
tion. The application of rock mass classification systems of weathering. Perched water conditions are often devel-
(RMR and Q) to this heterogeneous rock mass often leads oped.
to over- or underestimation of the rock mass quality. The Unit 10: limestones
geological strength index (GSI) classification scheme
These limestones are whitish-grey, pinkish, whitish-yellow,
provides a practical basis for describing a wide range of
thickly bedded to massive, moderately strong to very
rock mass types and can easily be applied to describe all
strong and of medium hardness. Locally, they are medium
the rock mass types commonly encountered in the Athens'
bedrock (Hoek et al. 1998). Based on the case of the Athens to thinly bedded with intercalations of marls, while
upwards they change to marly limestones. The material
schist, Hoek et al. (1998) proposed an extension of the GSI
system to account for the foliated or laminated weak rocks property ranges are as follows:
in the lower range of its applicability. Pd:25.1-26.8 kN/m3
The presumed allowable bearing pressure of this unit is uc: 29-87 MPa
greater than 300 kPa and the total thickness exceeds 200 m. 1'(50):2.9-10 MPa
The formation is of low permeability, the water levels SHY: 36-50.
\J
Fig.3
Engineering geological zoning
map showing the distribution
of geotechnical units

ilometers---

Geotechnical units
III

III
1
2
::3
III
-:;!"...,;
3
4
5'
[ill]]]

III
6
7
8
-..
D
9
10
11
l
I G. Koukis . N.Sabatakakis

Fig.4
Contour map showing the
depth to dedrock head
..

Saronikos Gulf N

o 2 4 Kilometers

5 5 m depth to bedrock head

Recent deposits

Bedrock

The unit is Triassic to Cretaceous in age and occupies the Hymettus) and intersected by four main discontinuity sets
western margin of the Athens basin, outcropping mainly (Mariolakos 1972). The material properties range as
on Mt. Parnis and Aegaleo. follows:

Unit 11: marbles and schists Pd:25.5-28.7 kN/m3

.P6,,:80-130 MPa
This unit includes the metamorphlc Neo-palaeozok' to SHY: 40-60.
Lower Mesozoic geological formations -
mainly marbles
and schists outcropping on Mt. Hymettus and Pendeli and Schists
schist-metasandstones on Mt. Parnis and Aegaleo. Greyish-black, greyish-green, brownish-grey, strong, of
Marbles medium hardness, mica schists with various degrees of
weathering. The material property ranges are as follow:
Mainly white, strong to very strong, of medium to high
hardness. They are massive (Mt. Pendeli), such as those Pd:27.0-27.7 kN/m3
used for the construction materials for the Parthenon and 06,,:56-62 MPa
other ancient monuments of Athens, or fractured (Mt. Ia: 3-15
 SHY: 21-37
Vp: 1980-3868 m/s.
The sequence of marble and mica schist strata on Mt.
Hymettus and Pendeli is quite regular, with occasional Head of the Geotechnical Engineering Section of the Central
gradual transitions from one rock to the other.
Schists-metasandstones
Alternations of phyllites and mica schists with limestones,
quartzites, prasinites (greenstones) and serpentines.
Green-grey-coloured metasandstones with lenticular inter-
calations of limestones and bodies of volcanic rocks are
also encountered.
v Engineeringgeologicalmapping
The evaluation of the processed geotechnical data in
combination with aerial photo interpretation and field
mapping led to the compilation of the following engi-
neering geological maps:
1. Engineering geological zoning map showing the distri-
bution of geotechnical units in which geological forma-
tions have been divided on the basis of uniformity in
lithological character and structural arrangement
(Fig. 4). The geotechnical grouping was also dependent
on the relevant age of the geological formations. Older
formations were classified according to their lithogen-
esis, i.e. their origin and mode of formation, while for
recent deposits it was based on the grading of consti-
tuent particles and plasticity using the uses. Some
major normal fault traces which have affected the wider
area are also shown on this map, based on geological
evidence and interpretation of the geotechnical data.
'"~ngineering geological map showing the depth to
Vbedrock" head (Fig. 3). The contours of depth to
bedrock are drawn with a depth interval ranging from 2
to 30 m. Units 5 to 11 have been characterized as
bedr&k while unit 4 has been considered as bedrock
where it is developed downwards to well-cemented
breccia. In the central area of the Athens basin, across
the southern part of the Kiffisos riverbed, the maximum
d@pth to bedrock head is generalized as exceeding
30m.
Conclusions
The engineering geological maps of Athens compiled on a
-medrumS<:"ale are mtended to reflect thespecific"grolHld
conditions of the city and the perceived needs of engineers
working in that urban environment. They can also indicate
.the basic geological
. .
and geotechnical conditions
.10 th e area 10 or ..der t 0 aIIow an eva Iua t lOn 0 f the SOl1eflec t
d d
.
In re~ar to seismiC groun mO~lOn. parameters.
mappmg was based on a combmation of conventlOnal
geological mapping techniques and the information
geotechnical database, it is considered to be appropriate
for use at a preliminary planning level.
Acknowledgments The authors are grateful to Dr. G. Tsiambaos,
Public Works Laboratory, for his valuable information and his
permission to obtain the large amount of geotechnical data.
References
ANAGNOSTOPOULOS A (1981) Settlement computational models
for the Athenian schist. In: Geotechnical problems of the Athe-
nian schist. Technical Chamber of Greece, Athens, pp 299-304
ANDRONOPOULOS B, KOUKISG (1988) Engineering geological
problems in the Acropolis of Athens. In: Proc Int Symp Engi-
neering Geology of Ancient Works, Monuments and Historical
Sites, Athens, Publ 3, pp 1819-1830
Canadian Geotechnical Society (1985) Canadian Foundation engi-
neering manual, 2nd edn. Canadian Geotechnical Society,
Vancouver, 460 pp
CHRISTOULASS, TSIAMBAOSG, SABATAKAKIS N (1985) Engi-
neering geological conditions and the effects of the 1981 earth-
quake in Athens, Greece. Eng Geol 22: 141-155
DRACOPOULOS" MAKROPOUlOS K (1983) Seismicity and hazard
analysis in the area of Greece. Seismic Laboratory, Athens
University, Publl, 126 pp
HOEK E, MARINos p, BENlssl M (1998) Applicability of the
geological strength index (GSI) classification for very weak and
sheared rock masses. The case of the Athens schist formation.
BulI Eng Geol Environ 57: 151-160
KATSIKATSOSG, MERCIER1. VERGELYP (1976) La fenetre
d' Attique - Cyclades et les fenetres metamorphiques des HelIe-
nides internes (Grece). C R Acad Sci Paris 283D: 1613-1616
KATSIKATSOS G, MIGIROSG, TRIANTAPHYlLlSM, METTos A
(1986) Geological structure of internal HelIenides (E. Thes-
saly-S.W. Macedonia, Euboa-Attica-N. Cyclades islands and
Lesvos). IGME Geol Geophys Res Spec Issue, Athens,
pp 191-212
KOUKISG, SABATAKAKIS N (1991) Index properties and their
correlations for the marly and dolomitic limestones of the
Athens basin, Greece. Mineral Wealth 72:27-33
MARINOS G, KATSIKATSOSG, GEORGIADOU-DIKEOULIA E,
MIKRou R (1971)The Athensschist formation,I. Stratigraphy
and structure (in Greek). Ann Geol Pays HelI 22: 183-216
MARINOSP, KOUKISG, SABATAKAKIS N, TSIAMBAOSG (1994)
Laboratory testing aspects of the Athenian schist. Proc 7th Int
IAEG Congr, Lisboa, Publ 2, pp 975-981
MARINOS P, NOVACK M, BLANKE " BENISSI M, ROVOllS G (1997)
Geological and environmental considerations for selecting an
Athens Metro tunnel alignment beneath an important archaeo-
logical area. Proc Int Symp on Engineering Geology and the
Environment, Athens, PubJ 3, pp 2777-2784 i
MARIOLAKOSI (1972) Observations on the folds of the meta- g
morphic system of Pendeli and Hymettus (Attika) (in Greek). :i
Ann GeolPays HelI24:276-302 ~
--'PAPADoPouLos Z, MARINOSP (1992) On the anisotiopyofth'e' ~
Athenian schist and its relation to weathering. BulI IAEG ~
45: 111-116 " ~
prevailing
. . RO~DOGIANN.I-TsIAMBAOU
zlvages occldentaux du
T (1,984) E~ude ,neotectomque ~es $:
. . canal d Atalantt (Grece centrale). These ?;
h
3me cycIe. Umv. Pans- Su,d 190 pp. i"
A~ t e SABATAKAKISN, TSIAMBAOS G, KOUKIS G (1993) Index proper- ~
ties of soft marly rocks of the Athens basin, Greece.Proc Int ~
from a Symp of Hard Soils-Soft Rocks, Athens, PubI I, pp 275-279 ii
~
~
~
Bull EngGeolEnv(2000)59:127-135 . '9 Springer-Verlag 1135 ~

SHY: 21-37
Vp: 1980-3868 m/s.
The sequence of marble and mica schist strata on Mt.
Hymettus and Pendeli is quite regular, with occasional
gradual transitions from one rock to the other.
Schists-metasandstones
Alternations of phyllites and mica schists with limestones,
quartzites, prasinites (greenstones) and serpentines.
Green-grey-coloured metasandstones with lenticular inter-
calations of limestones and bodies of volcanic rocks are
also encountered.
Engineeringgeologicalmapping
The evaluation of the processed geotechnical data in
combination with aerial photo interpretation and field
mapping led to the compilation of the following engi-
neering geological maps:
1. Engineering geological zoning map showing the distri-
bution of geotechnical units in which geological forma-
tions have been divided on the basis of uniformity in
lithological character and structural arrangement
(Fig. 4). The geotechnical grouping was also dependent
on the relevant age of the geological formations. Older
formations were classified according to their lithogen-
esis, i.e. their origin and mode of formation, while for
recent deposits it was based on the grading of consti-
tuent particles and plasticity using the uses. Some
major normal fault traces which have affected the wider
area are also shown on this map, based on geological
evidence and interpretation of the geotechnical data.
.., t:;ngineering geological map showing the depth to
bedrock" head (Fig. 3). The contours of depth to
bedrock are drawn with a depth interval ranging from 2
to 30 m. Units 5 to II have been characterized as
bedrock while unit 4 has been considered as bedrock
where it is developed downwards to well-cemented
breccia. In the central area of the Athens basin, across
the southern part of the Kiffisos riverbed, the maximum
depth to bedrock head is generalized as exceeding
30m.
Conclusions
The engineering geological maps of Athens compiled on a
medium- sc:ale-a-relnlenaeOL~ specific ground PAPADOPO-ULOS
conditions of the city and the perceived needs of engineers
working in that urban environment. They can also indicate
the basic geological and geotechnical conditions prevailing
in the area in order to allow an evaluation of the soil effect zivages occidentaux du canal d' Atalanti (Grece centrale). These
in regard to seismic ground motion parameters. As the SABATAKAKIS
mapping was based on a combination of conventional
geological mapping techniques and the information from a
Engineering geological environment of Athens, Greece
geotechnical database, it is considered to be appropriate
for use at a preliminary planning level.
Acknowledgments The authors are grateful to Or. G. Tsiambaos,
Head of the Geotechnical Engineering Section of the Central
Public Works Laboratory, for his valuable information and his
permission to obtain the large amount of geotechnical data.
References
ANAGNOSTOPOULOS A (1981) Settlement computational models
for the Athenian schist. In: Geotechnical problems of the Athe-
nian schist. Technical Chamber of Greece, Athens, pp 299-304
ANDRONOPOULOS B, KOUKISG (1988) Engineering geological
problems in the Acropolis of Athens. In: Proc Int Symp Engi-
neering Geology of Ancient Works, Monuments and Historical
Sites, Athens, Publ 3, pp 1819-1830
Canadian Geotechnical Society (1985) Canadian Foundation engi-
neering manual, 2nd edn. Canadian Geotechnical Society,
Vancouver, 460 pp
CHRISTOULASS, TSIAMBAOSG, SABATAKAKIS N (1985) Engi-
neering geological conditions and the effects of the 1981 earth-
quake in Athens, Greece. Eng Geo122: 141-155
ORACOPOULOS 1. MAKROPOULOS K (1983) Seismicity and hazard
analysis in the area of Greece. Seismic Laboratory, Athens
University, Publ1, 126 pp
HOEK E, MARINos P, BENISSIM (1998) Applicability of the
geological strength index (GSl) classification for very weak and
sheared rock masses. The case of the Athens schist formation.
Bull Eng Geol Environ 57: 151-160
KATSIKATSOSG, MERCIERI, VERGELYP (1976) La fenetre
d'Attique - Cyclades et les fenetres metamorphiques des Helle-
nides internes (Grece). C R Acad Sci Paris 2830: 1613-1616
KATSIKATSOS G, MIGIROSG, TRIANTAPHYlLISM, METTOSA
(1986) Geological structure of internal Hellenides (E. Thes-
saly-S.W. Macedonia, Euboa-Attica-N. Cyclades islands and
Lesvos). IGME Geol Geophys Res Spec Issue, Athens,
pp 191-212
KOUKISG, SABATAKAKIS N (1991) Index properties and the::-
correlations for the marly and dolomitic limestones of the
Athens basin, Greece. Mineral Wealth 72:27-33
MARINos G, KATSIKATSOSG, GEORGlADOU-OIKEOULIA E,
MIKROUR (1971) The Athens schist formation, I. Stratigraphy
and structure (in Greek). Ann Geol Pays Hell 22: 183-216
MARINos P, KOUKISG, SABATAKAKIS N, TSIAMBAosG (1994)
Laboratory testing aspects of the Athenian schist. Proc 7th Inl
IAEG Congr, Lisboa, Publ 2, pp 975-981
MARINOS P, NOVACK M, BLANKE I, BENISSI M, RovOLis G (1997)
Geological and environmental considerations for selecting an
Athens Metro tunnel alignment beneath an important archaeo-
logical area. Proc Int Symp on Engineering Geology and the
Environment, Athens, Publ 3, pp 2777-2784
MARIOLAKOSI (1972) Observations on the folds of the meta-
morphic system of Pendeli and Hymettus (Attika) (in Greek).
Ann Geol Pays Hell 24: 276-302
Z~MARINos P (1992) On the anisotropy of the
Athenian schist and its relation to weathering. Bull IAEG
45: 111-116
RONDOGIANNI- TSIAMBAOUT (1984) Etude neotectonique des
3me cycle. Univ. Paris-Sud, 190 pp.
N, TSIA:'IBAOSG, KOUKISG (1993) Index proper-
ties of soft marly rocks of the Athens basin, Greece. Proc Int
Symp of Hard Soils-Soft Rocks, Athens, Publ I, pp 275-279
Bull EngGeolEnv(2000)59: 127-135 . ~: Springer-Verlag 1135