Characterisation of the weathering profile developed over an amphibole schist bedrock in Peninsular Malaysia

Five stages of weathering of an amphibole schist bedrock material were distinguished on the basis of differences of colour, texture and the extent of alteration of original mineral grains. These stages of weathering are of a gradational nature except for the abrupt transition between unweathered bedrock material, and bedrock material weathered to the condition of an engineering soil. These stages of weathering are differently distributed within the weathering profile and determination oftheir distribution pattern allowed for the recognition of several morphological horizons. These morphological horizons are considered to represent different stages of weathering of the bedrock on the scale of the mass and can be assigned rock mass weathering grades.