The development of linear infrastructures on the Swiss Plateau, on surface or underground, is opposed to excavation in rocks with various properties, which are mainly grouped under the term of Molasse of the plateau.
More precise denomination includes terms that are issued from various domains (geology, quarries, stone cutting, civil engineering) like Macigno, Marly Sandstone, argileouse marl, Obere Süsswassermolasse, … completed by a multitude of local names (Grès de la Cornalle, Effingermergel, …
In the domain of construction and geotechnics, in particular, this complicates the characterization of the molassic rock and may conduct to an inappropriate mode of execution, construction time needed and therefore to higher costs of the construction.
This inappropriate evaluation of the molassic rock may lead to the necessity to reinstatement works of inadequately designed constructions within its natural environment.
Re-using and recycling of excavation materials of theses lithologies may then be planned already during the stage of project-design.
Consequently, this project of a molassic rock terminology will be useful to designers and builders of construction works in finding a common language to characterize this type of rock.