## 2 Materials and Methods  
A new perspective is presented in this study, introducing a new methodology for evaluating the parameters of Barton's equation (_JCS_ and _JCR_) in determining the strength characteristics of discontinuities within the rock mass. The two parameters are essential for the mechanical characterization of mass discontinuities, and acquiring them on extensive outcrops and numerous discontinuities could allow a reliable assessment of scale effects in relation to the direction of imposed displacements, as well as a statistical evaluation. The objective of the research, evaluating data obtained fromsix surveys and previous research, was therefore to verify the possibility of using laser techniques for rock alteration and its strength (_JCS_) and surveys of roughness (_JRC_). Compared to intact rock, discontinuity surfaces within the rock mass generally exhibit lower strength characteristics due to physico-chemical weathering processes. Even a moderate degree of weathering, primarily occurring on the surfaces of the discontinuities in exposed rock masses, is sufficient to cause a decrease in rock strength (i.e., Joint Coefficient of Strength--_JCS_). The assessment of rock strength can be conducted in the laboratory through direct shear tests on samples extracted from joints. However, the challenge in determining this strength often arises from textural anisotropy and the difficulty of obtaining representative samples, especially in the presence of significant large-scale variations. To compare data from manual investigations and laser surveys, information was collected on various discontinuities using both the [PERSON] hammer (Original Schmidt--Type L-9 Impact energy: 0.735 Nm, piston diameter: 15 mm, Kolida Instrument Picerno, Italy) and laser scanning techniques. According to ISRM recommendations, 10 rebound values (corresponding to the relative _JCS_ according to the linear correlation proposed for the [PERSON] hammer) were measured directly on site for each discontinuity. The value of _JCS_ (joint compressive strength) can then be determined using the diagram (Figure 1) proposed by [PERSON] and [PERSON] [52]. In this diagram, various Schmidt indices are plotted along the _x_-axis as the hammer inclination varies, while _JCS_ values are indicated on the _y_-axis. To determine the _JCS_ value, it is necessary to use one of the inclined lines present in the diagram, selected based on the unit weight of the rock under examination. Simultaneously, on the same surface, the laser survey recorded reflectivity values (i.e., 30 digital numerical values for each discontinuity). The laser scanner is indeed capable of measuring the values of incident and reflected beam energy, providing the corresponding reflectivity ratio (I). This present study has focused on correlating rebound values (r) measured directly with the Schmidt hammer (i.e., traditional direct techniques) and reflectivity values (I) obtained through laser scanning surveys for the same surfaces. In Table 1, the identifying names of the investigation sites, the present lithotype, the type of laser scanner used,whether the measurement of reflectivity and rebound with the Schmidt hammer was obtained, and whether the surface roughness (_JRC_) was also determined, are reported. Sites of investigation include various rock elements and rock outcrops in Sicily, Italy: the northwestern slope of Monte Pellegrino (Palermo), the walls of a quarry on the south slope of Monte Catalfano near Bagheria (Palermo), the walls of the cultivation area extending along the northeastern slope of PizzoLupo in Castronovo di Sicilia (Palermo), the ancient quarries of Latomiae del Paradiso (Siracusa), and the ammonitic red limestone of Palazzo Jung in Palermo. Additionally, some data were obtained through laboratory measurements on calcarenite from foundation soils in Palermo and tuff from Naples. On these various lithotypes, surveys were conducted using both the laser scanner and the Schmidt hammer.