Abstrakt
Durability is one of the key functional properties of natural stones used in architecture and construction. This property is often extrapolated from index physical properties, based on the results of empirical durability tests and/or from the in situ long-term experience.
In this recent study, we tested how the data obtained from common rock mechanical tests can be employed as durability estimators. Along with standard rock mechanical parameters (strength, modulus of elasticity), the stress-strain curves were evaluated to obtain crack closure, crack initiation, and crack damage thresholds of several varieties of sandstones commonly used in architectural and sculptural projects.
The modulus of resilience and modulus of toughness, computed from the respective parts of the stress-strain curves, proved to have a significant correlation between resistance to weathering in the accelerated laboratory tests and/or to the known field performances of the tested stone varieties.